things to do in Chesterfield

Chesterfield Menagerie exhibition to celebrate our relationship with animals

A new museum exhibition coming to Chesterfield will celebrate the extraordinary relationship between humans and animals.

Chesterfield Menagerie includes a wide range of items from the Chesterfield Museum collection which show humans connections with animals. It includes a beautiful Brampton salt glaze fish flask, ‘The Plough’ a stunning painting by Joseph Syddall, a wonderful figurine of a Chicken by William Gordon and much more.

painting by local artist depicts an old ploughing method using horses

There will be fun activities and interactive elements for the whole family to enjoy including handling items, feely boxes, a sound board of animal calls, a magnetic board matching activity and animal related crafts.

The exhibition will be hosted in the Grade 2 listed Assembly Rooms above the Market Hall from Friday 13 September until Tuesday 12 October, and open from 10am to 2.30pm weekdays, and from 10am to 4pm on Saturdays. It is free to enter.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for our residents and visitors to learn more about our borough’s history and see some incredible things that have been created right here. We want lots of people to come along and support this exhibition and we’ve made sure that there is something for everyone to enjoy.”

Museum fish exhibit

In addition, there will also be a selection of free special events hosted during the exhibition.

Chester the Field Mouse will be visiting the exhibition, meeting fans and posing for pictures on Saturday 14 September from 1pm to 2.15pm.

On Saturday 21 September, Kakou will be hosting a workshop where visitors can create their own art bot. This simple robot will wobble across paper and create a unique drawing. Sessions are being held at 11am, 12pm and 1pm.

As we approach the autumn months visitors will be able to learn more about birds and bees, including how to identify bees, how birds build nests, and they will be able to build their own bird feeder to take away and hang up in their garden. Visitors will be able to take part in this activity on Saturday 28 September from 1pm to 3pm.

The exhibition is hosted in the town centre making it easily accessible by public transport and the venue also includes a lift to ensure that visitors of all abilities can access the exhibition. Further work is being undertaken to provide the exhibition materials in different formats.

The Chesterfield Menagerie exhibition is part of a programme of events and exhibitions that are being funded by Arts Council England.

It aims to ensure that whilst Chesterfield Museum and the Pomegranate Theatre are closed for refurbishment residents and visitors can still connect with our borough’s history and culture.

Over the next year the programme will include a series of museum exhibitions at venues across the borough and range of theatre productions at the Winding Wheel Theatre. To find out more about the programme visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/explore-chesterfield/museum/arts-council-england-programme

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Chesterfield to welcome new board games café to town centre

Excitement is building for the opening of Chesterfield’s first ever board game café, which is on track to open in the town centre later this year.

Board & Bean will be a location for people of all ages to enjoy locally sourced food, drink and play games. The venue will also be dog friendly.

Renovations are now taking place at the café – formerly the H&F café and tearooms on New Beetwell Street.

Co-owner of the new venue, John McAssey is opening it alongside two colleagues. He commented: “We have grown up in Chesterfield and love the area. Hopefully we will bring something new and exciting to our town.

“Our games library is growing every day and we expect there to be around 500 games on offer at launch on 1st December 2024. We will have a great variety of games from classic pub games to long spanning role playing games.”

Board & Bean will also host special evening events with a focus on tabletop role-playing games, Blood on the Clocktower, miniature painting and more.

The café will boast hand crafted “proper” board game tables, which people will be able to book online. The business will be using new “Guru” software to help customers in making better gaming choices based on the player count, time available and ease of play.

Owners John, Andy and Clint are aiming to turn Board & Bean into a community hub, bringing gamers in Chesterfield and beyond together, allowing people find new games and link up with others. A membership will also be available, which includes discounted food and drink, table charges and event access. Furthermore, the business is looking to work with other like-minded venues in Chesterfield to provide benefits to members.

Renovations are starting soon to ensure disability access throughout the café. A space which is currently partially covered space twill be turned into more indoor space to allow for two rooms to game and socialise.

Nick Hogan, Destination Chesterfield board member commented: “We are very excited for the upcoming opening of Board & Bean in Chesterfield.

“The venue will add to our town’s leisure offer, providing hours of fun and a locally sourced menu for those who visit.

“I’m positive that Board & Bean will be enjoyed by residents and visitors coming in Chesterfield, adding even more vibrancy to our town and giving people another great place to spend their free time with loved ones.”

For more information about Board & Bean, and to keep an eye on the progress during renovations, head over to the Board and Bean social media pages.

Planning a visit to Chesterfield? Find out how you can make the most of your trip by heading over to our visiting pages.

Exterior of building with mural painted on the side

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Tapton Lock Festival to return for a special one-day event

Organisers have confirmed that the Tapton Lock Festival will return next month for a special one-day event. The Tapton Lock Mini is a capsule festival that will take place on Sunday 8th September.

In April, Chesterfield-based arts charity, Junction Arts, announced that due to unforeseen circumstances, they would not be able to stage the full weekend event this year, but the organisation was keen to do something on a smaller scale for their loyal visitors to enjoy.

Project Manager, Jane Wells said. “We’re excited to present Tapton Mini for 2024! The event is small, but perfectly formed, visitors will can enjoy a trip on a narrowboat, try the ever-popular ‘Have a Go’ canoes or take part in two artist-led creative workshops and make something beautiful to take home.

“Junction Arts is also very excited to present our newly commissioned theatre piece, The Journey from Here to Now, which includes contributions from children and young people in and around Chesterfield! Adverse Camber, an independent storytelling company has created a unique and brand new promenade performance. There will be three shows throughout the day for visitors to watch, walk with or participate in!

“Junction Arts would like to reassure Tapton fans that we are already working hard planning next year’s event which will be better than ever! There will be all the things you’ve grown to love as well as some sensational new additions.”

The Tapton Lock Festival was launched in partnership with Derbyshire County Council in 2013 and became a much-loved family festival, taking place along the Chesterfield Canal near the Tapton Lock Visitor Centre every September.

Tapton Lock Mini will take place on Sunday 8th September, from 10am until 4pm around Tapton Lock Visitor Centre, all activities are free and people of all ages are invited to get involved.

Looking for things to do or places to visit in Chesterfield? Head over to our visiting pages to find out more about shops, bars, restaurants, events, attractions and more!

Junction Arts supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Woman dancing and clapping while another woman plays violin

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Meet the new Chesterfield bakery serving up delicious brownies

A new bakery has opened in Chesterfield, specilaising in serving coffee and decadent brownies to customers.

Located at York House, 38 St Mary’s Gate, this cozy spot is the latest addition for The Savvy Baker, which already boasts popular locations in York and Roundhay, Leeds.

After already proving popular in Yorkshire, the business is excited to bring its sweet treats to the Chesterfield community.

But that’s not all! The Savvy Baker Chesterfield is more than just brownies – the summer special drinks are already causing a stir among iced drink lovers.

Indulge in Iced Kinder, a chocolatey delight perfect for those hot summer days, or try Iced Biscoff, which comes topped with a creamy, dreamy Biscoff cold cream. For something refreshing and a little different, the Iced Raspberry Matcha is a must-try, combining the earthy notes of matcha with a burst of raspberry sweetness.

The Savvy Baker also proudly serves North Star Coffee, renowned for its rich and robust flavour.

box of sweet treats being held outside a shop

Situated in York House Business Centre, the new Chesterfield location offers a convenient and inviting space whether you’re looking for a quick pick-me-up or a place to relax. The shop is easily accessible, with an entrance from the street, making it a perfect stop for locals and visitors alike.

“We’re excited to expand our presence to Chesterfield and share our love of coffee and brownies with the community here,” said Savannah Roqaa Founder of The Savvy Baker. “Our goal is to create a welcoming environment where people can enjoy high-quality drinks and treats, whether they’re grabbing something on the go or taking a break from their day.”

With its central location and delicious offerings, The Savvy Baker Chesterfield is set to become a favorite spot for coffee enthusiasts and brownie lovers. The shop is open every day from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM, and until 4:00 PM on Saturdays, giving you plenty of time to drop by and experience what everyone’s talking about.

Nick Hogan, Destination Chesterfield Board Member said: “I’m really pleased to see The Savvy Baker has chosen to open in our town centre, providing another great food and drink option for customers.

Chesterfield is home to many fantastic cafes, allowing visitors to spend time with their loved ones in the heart of our town, whilst creating jobs for local people.

“I would like to wish the Savvy Baker team lots of success in their new location.”

For more inspiration on delicious food and drink businesses across our town, along with great ideas to make the most of your time in Chesterfield, visit: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/

The Savvy Baker Chesterfield

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Exhibitions to connect Chesterfield communities with history and culture

A new programme of events and exhibitions will celebrate history and culture in Chesterfield.

Chesterfield Borough Council has received funding from Arts Council England to host a variety of museum exhibitions being held at partner venues across the borough and a series of plays at the Winding Wheel Theatre. The programme will run until August 2025.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Whilst Chesterfield Museum and the Pomegranate Theatre are closed for refurbishment this is a fantastic opportunity to ensure that our residents can still connect with our history and culture.

“There is lots planned as part of this programme, but we’ve ensured all the exhibitions are family friendly with interactive activities to try. We’ve also put together a great schedule of plays with some classics as well as a selection of contemporary tales. We want lots of people to come along and support these events – keep an eye on our website and social media for more details about everything taking place over the next year.”

Peter Knott, Midlands Area Director at Arts Council England, said: “We’re delighted to award Chesterfield Borough Council £98,750 to provide a programme of creative and cultural activities for the community to enjoy while the town’s museum and Pomegranate Theatre are closed for a major renovation project.

“This National Lottery funding will support exhibitions, theatre, activities and events at venues across the borough, ensuring local people can continue to be inspired by museum collections, delve into local history and take part in enriching creative and cultural activities on their doorstep.”

The programme will kick off in September with the Chesterfield Menagerie exhibition being held in the Assembly Rooms. At this free exhibition, members of the public will be able to see some of the many animal-themed works within the museum collection and take part in some great family-friendly activities.

Chesterfield Town Hall in the evening, with a lit lampost

In October the museum team will set up an interactive Romans exhibition in Hasland Village Hall before a final exhibition for 2024 in Old Whittington which will focus on the Victorians. The exhibitions will showcase Chesterfield’s history during these periods, and there will also be interactive activities like dressing up and handling objects.

In 2025 exhibitions will include the Tudors, Vikings, Medieval and a look at the ‘Extraordinary Women’ who put our town on the map.

At the Winding Wheel Theatre, Rumpus Theatre Company will be bringing the classic George Bernard Shaw comedy, Arms and the Man, to audiences on Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 October.

Winding Wheel

Then on Wednesday 23 October, the Red Ladder Theatre Company will be presenting ‘We’re Not Going Back’, a funny yet moving musical tale of three sisters set in the 1984/85 miners’ strike. In 2025 the theatre will be hosting three more plays as part of this programme.

Chesterfield Museum and the Pomegranate Theatre is being transformed as part of a multi-million pound renovation project to create a modern visitor experience in the heart of the town centre.

The refurbished hall will bring together an extended Theatre, a reconfigured and modern museum, alongside new gallery space, a café bar, education and community facilities.

Funding for the project has been provided through the Government’s Levelling Up Fund with additional funding from Arts Council England’s Capital Investment Programme to install a ventilation system in the theatre auditorium and create a new Changing Places toilet.

To find out more about the transformation of Stephenson Memorial Hall visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/stephenson-memorial-hall

All the museum exhibitions happening around the borough over the next year will be listed on: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/museum

To find out more about performances at the Winding Wheel Theatre and to book tickets visit: www.chesterfieldtheatres.com

painting by local artist depicts an old ploughing method using horses

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Chair’s Blog: “I encourage you to experience the vibrancy of Chesterfield”

As I walk through Chesterfield town centre, I feel a sense of pride. High streets today throughout the country face well-documented challenges, yet Chesterfield has navigated these with remarkable resilience.

Our independent stores create experiences that make customers feel like friends and keep them coming back. For instance, Street Spirit hosts tasting events for whisky, gin, and rum connoisseurs, while Geeks Headquarters draws competitors from across the UK and Europe for its tournaments. These unique businesses are examples of what sets Chesterfield apart from other towns.

Friends playing games at Geeks Headquarters in Chesterfield town centre

Geeks Headquarters, Chesterfield town centre

Our strong community spirit is attracting vibrant new businesses to our high streets. Over 25 businesses have invested in Chesterfield town centre in the past year. Hotpod Yoga and Bottle & Thyme have rejuvenated the Elder Way development, offering more reasons to visit the town. Additionally, more homes are being developed in the heart of Chesterfield, revitalising historic high streets. Projects like the renovation of Burlington House and the old Post Office building provide excellent urban living spaces that are just a short walk from nature.

Chesterfield apartments burlington street external

Burlington House apartments, Chesterfield Town Centre

Chesterfield’s cherished green spaces, including Queen’s Park in the town centre, further enhance the quality of life for residents. These areas, hosting events such as the Chesterfield Children’s Festival and the BRM Chesterfield Festival of Cricket, are integral to the community’s heartbeat. Our food and drink scene boasts a variety of independent pubs, bars, and restaurants, extending into areas like Brampton and Whittington Moor. Whether you prefer local produce or exotic cuisines, Chesterfield offers plenty of dining choices.

Chef at Sicily holding a dish

Sicily Restaurant, Chesterfield

Significant revitalisation works are set to begin in Chesterfield town centre. This includes modernising our historic market with brighter stalls and better infrastructure and making the town more accessible with new paving and lighting. A dedicated events space in New Square will bring more events and people to Chesterfield.

We’ve seen from the success of this year’s events that there is a demand for unique experiences in the heart of our town. The 1940s market allowed families to get face to face with a real-life spitfire, immersing themselves in a slice of history. The Peddler Market sees foodies indulging in unique street food, enjoying quality time with friends and family. It goes to show that if you provide entertainment and experiences, people will come. This footfall in turn attracts more businesses to our evolving town centre.

View 01 - New Square (Ground) copy

Artists impression of planned improvements to New Square in Chesterfield town centre

This summer, I encourage you to experience the vibrancy of Chesterfield. Whether exploring the market, enjoying green spaces, or supporting local businesses and events, there is much joy and pride to be found here. Let’s continue to celebrate our community, making this summer one to remember in Chesterfield.

For more ideas on enjoying our vibrant town and making memories with loved ones, visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer.

Male Chair of Destination Chesterfield Pete on stage at the Winding Wheel Theatre

Peter Swallow, Destination Chesterfield Chair

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Chesterfield Escape Rooms to launch sequel to popular Rob the Bank game

Town centre visitor attraction, Chesterfield Escape Rooms is set to launch a new game, which follows on from one of its most popular experiences.

Those familiar with the Rob the Bank game will get the chance to continue the adventure, with Rob the Bank 2 set to launch later this summer.

To build the exciting new game, the attraction has worked alongside fellow Chesterfield Champion business, FWD Motion to sustainably design the new room.

Chesterfield Escape Rooms chose FWD Motion to help eliminate single-use plastics and implement an effective upcycling initiative across their organisation.

Nick Hogan, Owner of Chesterfield Escape Rooms, explained: “As a small business it can be difficult to build effective sustainable strategies, but when we decided to create a new set of escape rooms, we placed sustainability at the forefront of our thought process. We didn’t want to simply rip and replace – it was a case of considering what we could recycle, and most importantly, upcycle.”

Nick Hogan Chesterfield Escape Rooms

In search of an alternative solution to business-as-usual, Hogan approached FWD Motion. He commented: “We have had a working relationship with FWD for over 3 years, and in a recent account meeting we heard about their ability to print directly to MDF fire-rated board – which is the material we use for all our structural game build work. Realising we could print over and upcycle our old boards completely transformed our design process, and we quickly got to work with FWD’s creative team to produce the visual effects we needed. We’re delighted with the results!”

FWD Motion’s recent investment in a new sustainable printer enables them to print directly to board. Unlike solvent-based inks, its UV ink technology eliminates the need for vinyl and laminates – reducing single-use plastic consumption and ensuring a longer lifespan for their vibrant print solutions.

“Printing directly to board is a massive step forward for many businesses like Chesterfield Escape Rooms, who regularly rely on bespoke designs and installations to keep their experience up to date,” said David Whiteley, Director of FWD Motion. “By using our new sustainable printing technology, Chesterfield Escape Rooms managed to save approximately 66 metres of vinyl and 66 metres of laminate – and it doesn’t stop there. Now, when their rooms next need updating, we can take the same boards and print over them again and again.”

Chesterfield Escape Rooms and FWD Motion are keen to continue working together and are already discussing joint projects for the future.

Whiteley concluded: “We are incredibly pleased to have supported Nick and the team at Chesterfield Escape Rooms over recent years and are now even happier to help them achieve their sustainability goals. By reprinting and reusing the same MDF boards and wall graphics, we can help them prevent unnecessary waste in landfills and drive a more environmentally responsible future.”

Speaking in more detail about what people can expect from Rob the Bank 2, Nick Hogan added: “This is a change of business model for us because this game will be able to support up to 12 players rather than six. This new game will require a minimum of four players.

“You’ve got to keep things as fresh as they possibly can, but there are huge amounts of work undertaken to change an Escape Room. This particular build will take around three months, but we will continue to keep things fresh in the coming years. We’ve had in excess of 30,000 players since opening three years ago, but I can say to all players that this new game will be bigger and better than anything we have done before!”

Booking will soon be available for the new game on the Chesterfield Escape Rooms website: https://www.chesterfieldescaperooms.co.uk/

Chesterfield Escape Rooms and FWD Motion support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Chesterfield Escape Room 873x466

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New fashion exhibition inspired by Duchess Deborah to launch at Chatsworth

The Chatsworth House Trust has announced it will be opening a new exhibition showcasing renowned London-based fashion house, ERDEM’s Spring Summer 2024 collection, which is inspired by Duchess Deborah and the Devonshire Collections.

From 22 June – 20 October 2024, Chatsworth will be home to Imaginary Conversations, an exhibition which celebrates the legacy of the late Duchess, using the house as a source of inspiration for the collection.

As part of the research and development process for the collection, Erdem and his design team were given access to the extensive archives at Chatsworth. Archival fabrics from the collection, including historic curtains that once hung within the house, were reimagined into the collection along with the shapes, silhouettes and styles of the pieces Duchess Deborah wore.

Imaginary Conversations provides insight into Erdem’s creative process, from the initial thrill of discovery when delving into the Chatsworth archives, to the artistry and techniques of designing new clothes.

Erdem Moralioglu MBE, Creative Director and Founder at ERDEM, said: “I have always wanted to create a collection on Deborah, Duchess of Devonshire and the history of Chatsworth. I have long been fascinated by her story and found the archives at Chatsworth to be endlessly inspiring.”

Set within the guest bedrooms, the exhibition brings together historic prints and drawings, textiles, jewellery and photographs, with the eclectic taste of Deborah, the late Dowager Duchess, woven throughout.

Key looks from the Erdem SS24 collection will sit alongside the source material. Collectively, these stories of the past and present pay tribute to British craft and flair, reinforcing Duchess Deborah’s inimitable spirit and vision.

Imaginary Conversations celebrates how Chatsworth, and the Devonshire Collections, can inspire the artists, makers and designers of today.

Jane Marriott, Director at Chatsworth House Trust, commented: “For five centuries, Chatsworth has been a home of creativity and a source of inspiration for countless designers, makers, and artists, and we are delighted to build on this legacy with Imaginary Conversations. The exhibition provides insight into Erdem’s creative process, from the initial thrill of discovery when delving into the Devonshire Archives, to the artistry and techniques of his new designs.

“As a charity, we care for the incredible Devonshire Collections in order to share them with everyone. It is so exciting to see the historic collections reimagined through a contemporary lens in this way, and we hope that by sharing the process behind this collaboration we can inspire the next generation of creative leaders.”

The exhibition begins in the Queen of Scots’ Lobby, with cases filled with material that once belonged to Duchess Deborah, including letters, objects and photographs of particular inspiration to Erdem.

At various points throughout the exhibition, largescale projections will play the Spring Summer 24 catwalk show, immersing visitors in the live experience.

A recording of the Duchess’s voice, used in the Spring Summer 24 fashion show soundtrack for the launch at the British Museum, will play in the background, and Lucian Freud’s portrait of the Duchess, Woman in a White Shirt, will bring her voice to life. Whilst select pieces from Duchess Deborah’s legendary jewellery collection of insects will also be displayed amongst pieces from Erdem’s collection.

The exhibition concludes in the Wellington Bedroom, where Duchess Deborah’s own inspirations and passions are to be displayed alongside the looks from Erdem’s collection that honour them.

Lady Burlington added: “Chatsworth’s fashion archive is perhaps a lesser-known part of the collection, but seeing Duchess Deborah’s clothing inspire this new body of work by Erdem, and being able to bring these pieces back to Chatsworth with the original source material has been an incredibly rewarding process. Debo loved clothes and creativity and I hope she would be quietly pleased to see all these things she enjoyed inspire Erdem and fuel his work.”

Imaginary Conversations is sponsored by Farfetch, and access to the exhibition is included with all house and garden tickets between 22 June and 20 October 2024. There will also be a series of curator tours taking place throughout the summer.

To book tickets and find out more, visit: www.chatsworth.org/events/erdem-imaginary-conversations/

Chatsworth ERDEM Spring Summer

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Soak up the sunshine at these Chesterfield summer events

Summer is right around the corner, and now is the time to get outdoors and soak up the great British sunshine.

In 2024, Chesterfield has plenty of experiences to share so you can make some lasting memories with your loved ones.

So what are you waiting for? Get these dates saved in your calendar ready for a summer of excitement in our picturesque town!

BRM Chesterfield Festival of Cricket

Drone shot from above of the cricket pitch at Queens Park

 

Get ready for the big Derbyshire vs. Yorkshire game at the stunning Queen’s Park on July 7th.

Derbyshire County Cricket Club will also be hosting an 80s Bash on June 28th during the BRM Festival of Cricket, a brilliant opportunity to get your dancing shoes on.

Chesterfield Pride

Don’t miss out on Chesterfield Pride – it’s one of the biggest events of its kind around here and has yet another packed line-up of pop, dance and of course some of the UK’s best drag acts. Chart-toppers Liberty X and the Cheeky Girls will take the stage at Stand Road Park on July 21st.

Chesterfield Children’s Festival

Chesterfield Childrens Festival 2023 web (20 of 100)

The Chesterfield Children’s Festival will be back after providing fun and entertainment for more than 8,000 people last year. Highlights of the July 27th-28th event include an award-winning immersive street show, where members of the public get to be part of a live movie set.

Chesterfield Market

Peddler Market Chesterfield - family enjoying some food and smiling for the camera

Chesterfield Market will have plenty of special days, catering to foodies, craft lovers and music fans to name just a few. The Craft and Makers Market is returning on June 8th, July 20th, and August 10th, while you can enjoy a feast of street food at Peddler Market once again on July 19th.

Enjoy Chesterfield’s stunning scenery and landmarks

John Varley ll Chesterfield Canal Cruise

You’ll also have a chance to explore our most famous landmark, with a Crooked Spire Tower Tour on selected dates.

If you’re looking to unwind, why not take a trip through our glorious countryside? Bookings are now being taken for the summer on Chesterfield Canal Trust’s iconic trip boats, as are paddlesports sessions for those who are feeling a bit more adventurous.

For those who love getting active, the Chesterfield Cycling Festival is a wonderful way to blow off the cobwebs. The event lasts for a whole week from June 7th-16th and includes rides for all abilities. There is even a pub trail route in Holymoorside – After all, you’ll need to quench your thirst after all that pedaling!

Sample fabulous food and drink

Friends enjoying a cocktails in the sun at Dirty Habit in Chesterfield

 

And let’s not forget our local food and drink scene. Wander down the ‘Brampton Mile,’ Whittington Moor or into town on a weekend, and you’ll see our pubs, bars, and restaurants full of activity. With the European Championships and the Olympics coming up, make sure you book a seat at your favourite venue to soak up the atmosphere.

Many of our pubs and bars have spacious and comfortable beer gardens and outdoor spaces too, meaning you can make the most of the sunshine.

We hope to see you at one of our town’s fabulous events this summer! Don’t forget to head over to www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer so you can truly experience the best of our wonderful area.

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Save the dates – Peddler Market returns to Chesterfield this May and July

Chesterfield town centre will be buzzing in May and July as Peddler Market returns for two more weekend events this summer.

The popular street food market will be in New Square on 17 to18 May and 19 to 20 July. These are the final events for 2024 as the multi-million pound regeneration of the town centre is expected to start over the summer.

Ben Smith, Director at Peddler Market, said: “We are looking forward to signing off the summer with a bang! Peddler offers a fantastic opportunity to meet up with friends and family in the heart of the town centre; enjoy a drink, sample some of the UK’s most exciting street food talent and soak up the atmosphere from the live stage.

“With New Square being rejuvenated later this summer, we are happy to have provided a blueprint for how street food can play a pivotal role in transforming Chesterfield’s night-time economy in years to come.”

There will be a fantastic range of award-winning street food from around the world at the event in May.

Syiok-Lah will be serving up authentic Malyasian cuisine, Get Wurst will be offering German style Currywurst and Bratwurst, Cow Boys will be bringing brilliant burgers, The Spicy Biker will have a range of Indian street food, Brúm Mì will be dishing out East Asian street food, Luigi will be offering a taste of Italy with Arancini and Panzerotti, De Boeuf will be slicing up their mature beef, Madame Crêpe will have a range of fresh crepes and Vanilla Bean will be serving coffee and baked treats.

The weekend also features a strong line-up of live music with something for everyone to enjoy including, indie-rock band The N.S.O, folkie singer-songwriter Jack Weston, pop punk outfit 2x Fast,  Viva La Vintage  who performs a mixture of classic soul, swing and rock n roll, singer songwriter Masha Jana, and unique band Honey Trap, with some more acts still to be confirmed.

On Saturday Sunflower Dance will be providing family friendly entertainment with a dance workshop designed for children.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Peddler Market has been a unique event in our town, and I know lots of people have come out to support the three events so far. I hope to see lots of returning faces and new visitors come along in May and July to show their support for this fantastic event before we start work on the regeneration of the town centre.

“These events are a fantastic way to kickstart your summer in Chesterfield with your friends and families.”

The Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project will see extensive works to key town centre areas to support a range of uses including markets, events, festivals and more. The work is due to start in summer 2024 in the Market Place.

Funding to help bring the event to Chesterfield has been provided through the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

Chesterfield Borough Council received £2.69m of UKSPF funding which will be invested across the borough. A portion of this will be invested into promoting the borough as a place to visit, and providing support for arts, culture, and heritage activities.

Planning on visiting Chesterfield on a Peddler Market weekend? Find out more about what’s on offer in the town here. 

Peddler Market Chesterfield - family enjoying some food and smiling for the camera

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5 fabulous events taking place in Chesterfield this May

As the warmth of summer draws near, it’s time to start planning some exciting adventures for your family here in Chesterfield.

Things are really heating up across our town, with excitement and adventure for families of all shapes and sizes.

So this May, mark your calendars, pack a picnic, and get ready to create unforgettable memories together at these fabulous events.

Peddler Market

1 male and 1 female smiling at the camera

This month sees the fourth instalment of the iconic Peddler Market in Chesterfield town centre on the 17th and 18th May.

This great event has made itself right at home in New Square, so if you’ve not been yet, make sure you head along and try some delicious food and drink whilst enjoying live music, entertainment and crafts.

Chesterfield Craft and Makers Market

Birdseye view of Chesterfield market place with stalls and people

The 18th May will also see the Chesterfield Craft and Makers Market arriving back in town, with plenty of opportunities for you to pick up unique products and gifts from local independents.

Dine on seasonal food offerings and browse handmade gifts, whilst helping to support our brilliant local producers!

Chesterfield Canal Cruises

Woman on blue trip boat on Chesterfield Canal with red trip boat ahead

Chesterfield Canal

If you’re after a bit of relaxation, a leisurely journey along the picturesque Chesterfield Canal will be the perfect way to unwind – as the special Canal Cruises are back in full swing.

Gather the family and hop aboard for a relaxing cruise through stunning scenery. Look out for the Fish and Chips Special cruises too taking place on selected dates – a perfect setting for a meal with family or friends.

Rail Ale Festival

Rail Ale Festival - Image Credit: Paul Bigland

Rail Ale Festival – Image Credit: Paul Bigland sml

We can’t talk about the wonderful events happening this May without mentioning the fabulous Rail Ale Festival at Barrow Hill Roundhouse.

The annual celebration will give you or a loved one the chance to discover a vast array of real ales, craft beers, and refreshing beverages to sample. The event always promises some fantastic entertainment, too.

Rock music fans will love pumping their fists and stamping their feet to a tribute to the world-famous AC/DC at the ‘Rail Ale Rock Night’ on Thursday, 16th May.

Chesterfield Walking Festival

Chesterfield Area Walking Festival

Our final pick for the month is one for families who love the great outdoors. Lace up your walking shoes and join in the fun at the Chesterfield Area Walking Festival.

Choose from a variety of guided walks from the 11th-19th May catering to all ages and abilities, ranging from leisurely strolls to more challenging hikes.

For more information on all the events happening locally, visit: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/events/

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