Join the fun of the market festival
Residents and visitors to Chesterfield are invited to join in the fun at the town’s annual market festival.
There is a host of fun events to suit all ages in the festival, organised by Chesterfield Borough Council.
The festival takes place from Thursday 27 to Sunday 30 October.
The popular 1940s and flea market takes place on Thursday 27 October. There will be 1940s music and exhibits, stall holders in fancy dress and the usual Thursday flea market. As part of the 1940s theme, people can get advice on upcycling their clothes with the make do and mend demonstrations. Entertainment will be provided by the Kalamazoo Dance Band who will be performing in New Square. As well as performing hits from the 1940s they will also be teaching Swing dance steps allowing shoppers to join in.
The general market takes place on Friday 28 and Saturday 29 October with the music in the market event on the Saturday showcasing a variety of music styles by local entertainers across the town centre.
The monthly artisan market held in association with The Market Co. will be held on Sunday 30 October with some of the finest produce and gifts from a variety of local suppliers.
The festival has lots for younger visitors to enjoy: there is a pumpkin hunt from Saturday 22 October to Saturday 29 October. Entry forms will be available from Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre. Youngsters taking part can follow the clues to find the hidden pumpkins across the town centre.
Chesterfield Museum hosts a Gladiators event on Thursday 27 October. Families can hear stories from a Gladiator and Gladiatrix and find out what life was like in the Roman arena.
The museum will open specially on the evening of Thursday 27 October from 5.30pm to 7pm for an interactive story telling workshop exploring unusual tales suitable for children up to 12 years old.
The museum also holds a creative crafts day on Friday 28 October with the chance to make some fun Halloween crafts.
There is a children’s fun day in the market place on Friday 28 October with children’s entertainment, arts and crafts, disco and fun fair rides as well as a children’s art competition with judging taking place at 2pm.
There is a young persons’ market on Sunday 30 October from 11am to 3pm. Stalls are free but need to be pre-booked through the Visitor Information Centre or by visiting: www.visitchesterfield.info/childrensmarketbookingform.aspx.
Also taking place during the festival: visitors can receive a guided tour of the tower of the ‘Crooked Spire’ from Thursday 27 to Saturday 29 October. Tours are £5 for adults and £3 for children.
There are ghost walks of the town at 6.30pm on Thursday 27 and Friday 28 October. Tickets cost £4 for adults and £2 for children and are available from Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre.
The Chesterfield & District CAMRA beer festival also takes place on Friday 28 and Saturday 29 October in the Market Hall assembly rooms. Tickets are available from Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre.
Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Town Centre and Visitor Economy said:-
“Each year, thousands of people come to Chesterfield for our annual market festival.
“We stage the festival as part of our commitment to providing fun, community events and I’m proud to say there is something happening for all age groups and it’s a perfect way for families to spend time together.”
