Experiences to share this summer in Chesterfield

Families, foodies, and music lovers are in for a treat this summer in Chesterfield with a wide range of experiences to share taking place across the town. 

Summer in Chesterfield has launched, a campaign that celebrates the fantastic events and experiences happening across the area this year. 

The campaign aims to support the town’s businesses by promoting everything that is happening in and around Chesterfield, to attract more visitors and encourage residents to support local businesses. There will be content throughout the season on social media, websites and e-newsletters to keep people up to date. 

Residents are also being asked to join in with the campaign by sharing their summer experiences on social media with the hashtag #LoveChesterfield. 

Monthly competitions will take place over summer with opportunities to win tickets to exciting events and festivals such as the Peak District Highland Games. 

Peter Swallow, Destination Chesterfield Chair, said: “This summer provides plenty of opportunity to explore our beautiful Chesterfield. Our passionate people and businesses are going out of their way so that you, your family, and your friends can create lasting memories together while sampling the best of our charming market town. Let’s continue to support our independent shops and venues, whilst taking full advantage of the events and activities lined up across the area. Together, let’s make this summer one to remember, filled with laughter, adventures, and hopefully, plenty of sunshine!” 

Events and festivals 

There are lots of incredible events and festivals to experience together happening in Chesterfield this year, with lots of familiar favourites making a big return to the town.  

The BRM Chesterfield Festival of Cricket is back in Queen’s Park with Derbyshire taking on Yorkshire from Sunday 30 June to Wednesday 3 July and on Sunday 7 July with a T20 matchup between Derbyshire Falcons and Yorkshire Vikings.  

To kick off the week of Cricket in Queen’s Park there will be an 80s Bash on Friday 28 June featuring the epic anthems of Bon Jovi and Queen, to the iconic sounds of Blondie, ABBA, Duran Duran, Eurythmics and more. 

Chesterfield Pride will be held on Sunday 21 July in Stand Road Park. The family friendly event includes a headline performance by Liberty X as well as other artists including the Cheeky Girls, Nathan Moore, local singer songwriter Lexi Whiteside and lots of other fantastic performers.  

Ashgate Hospice is hosting its fantastic Sparkle Night Walk fundraiser on Saturday 22 June. Grab your friends and family, put on your pink accessories, and enjoy a great evening raising money for a local charity.  

Jimmy Carr’s sold-out show will bring his dark sense of humour to the Winding Wheel Theatre. There are also some incredible tribute acts throughout the summer to suit every taste including AC/DC, Abba, Queen and Elton John. 

Family fun  

Chesterfield has been consistently recognised as one of the best places to raise a family and this summer there are lots of experiences for families to share.  

Chesterfield has a selection of award-winning parks and green spaces with fantastic play areas, outdoor walks and the Queen’s Park mini train, Puffin’ Billy, will be running through the summer holidays.

After a huge success last year, the Chesterfield Children’s Festival will be returning to Queen’s Park on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 July. Organised by Junction Arts the full lineup is still to be announced but so far acts confirmed include Block Buster Factory, an award-winning immersive street show where you get to be part of a live movie set. There will also be an interactive catwalk, family life drawing workshops and an aerial workshop for babies and their parents.

Both Queen’s Park Sports Centre and the Healthy Living Centre will be open throughout the summer holidays, with some special activities planned. Chesterfield Canal Trust are running trips along the Chesterfield Canal from Tapton Lock or the Hollingwood Hub throughout the summer, including special trips with fish and chips on board. The Trust will also be hosting paddle sport sessions on the Canal.  

The Winding Wheel Theatre will be hosting family friendly shows including a return of Horrible Histories with their show Rotten Royals on 16 June and Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out on 27 and 28 July.  

History and heritage 

There are lots of ways to soak up our town’s history. 

You can visit Chesterfield’s most famous landmark with a Crooked Spire Tower Tour on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the summer. Learn about the history of the church and see the bells, and from early July enjoy stunning views over the surrounding area.  

If you’re interested in trains, why not visit Barrow Hill Roundhouse? Britain’s last surviving railway roundhouse with a working turntable was built in 1870 and is now a fantastic museum with a great selection of trains from different eras.  

Anyone wanting to take a walk and soak in the sunshine will be spoilt for choice with a fantastic range of countryside walks on the doorstep or take part in the Art Trail and see some fantastic sculptures from a range of acclaimed artists. 

Barrow Hill Round House, Chesterfield

Food and drink 

Peddler Market is being held on Friday 19 and Saturday 20 July. With a fantastic selection of global street food, craft drinks and excellent entertainment, the event is a joy for the senses. This will also be the last Peddler Market for 2024 due to the regeneration works planned in the town centre.  

Casa Hotel will be hosting their Bottomless Brunch with one date in June and four from July to August. Guests can enjoy sociable sharing platters of charcuterie and tapas and have 90 mins of bottomless drinks.  

Brampton Brewery will be opening its doors to provide tours for the public including a talk from their head brewer about the history of the brewery and how they create their fine ales today. The tour includes two pints of their award-winning beer.  

Over the summer the Chesterfield Great Historic Pub Tours will be covering the town centre and Brampton Mile each month. The tours include the history of local pubs and the chance to get a drink at each stop. 

Of course, there are also lots of independent restaurants and bars to try, you can find 50 of the very best the town has to offer by visiting the Chesterfield website.  

Markets and shopping  

Chesterfield not only has regular markets on Monday, Friday, and Saturdays from 9am to 4pm, but we also have one of the largest flea markets in the country every Thursday.  

Speciality markets including the Vegan Market, Artisan Market and Record Fair will be held on Sundays throughout the summer. Offering a range of unique products it’s a great opportunity to support local traders and small businesses.  

Little Hummingbird Events will also be bringing their Craft & Makers Market to the main Market on select Saturdays in July and August. 

In Chesterfield town centre and just outside on Chatsworth Road and Whittington Moor are well-known chain stores, and a fantastic selection of independent retailers who are happy to offer gift advice where needed.  

You can find out more about the Summer in Chesterfield campaign, including listings for all the events and some insider tips on where you can find the best independent shops, bars and eateries by visiting:  www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer