Chesterfield hosts annual well dressing festival
Residents and visitors to Chesterfield can enjoy a Derbyshire tradition as the annual well dressing takes place.
The wells will be in place from Saturday 7 to Saturday 14 September.
The well dressing at the town pump in the market place, designed by Chesterfield Borough Council, will feature Beauty and the Beast and the one in the porch at St Mary and All Saints’ Church, designed by church members, will feature All Things Bright and Beautiful – the famous hymn written by Cecil Frances Alexander.
This year will also see a third well dressing designed by the Friends of Spital Cemetery and on display at the cemetery chapel which celebrates the work carried out in the cemetery to dedicate an area as a garden of remembrance for those left behind after the First World War.
Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Well dressing is an old Derbyshire tradition and each year, we receive hundreds of visitors to see the wells in place.
“It is a great opportunity to see the well dressings and support the shops and businesses in Chesterfield town centre.”
People can see the wells being dressed until Friday 6 September at the Pavements Shopping Centre in the mall from 9.30am to 4.30pm and at the ‘Crooked Spire’ church porch from 10am to 4pm.
There will be a blessing service at the church on Saturday 7 September at 10am followed by garland and Morris dancers in Rykneld Square from 10.30am.
Hallmark of Harmony and Sheffield Harmony will be performing a selection of songs from their repertoire on Saturday 7 September in the following locations:
- 12.30pm to 12.50pm at Chesterfield Market Hall
- 1.05pm to 1.25pm at the ‘Crooked Spire’ church
- 1.50pm to 2.10pm at the Pavements Shopping Centre
- 2.30pm to 2.50pm at Chesterfield Market Hall.
