Christmas

Vicar Lane Hosts a Calendar of Festive Fun

This Christmas, Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, Chesterfield is helping shoppers get in the spirit of the season with a whole heap of activities for them to enjoy.

With a different event every Saturday from 30th November until Christmas, there’s something for every member of the family to enjoy!

On Saturday 30th November, customers can get their green fingers ready to craft their very own Christmas wreath in a festive workshop. The pro’s from Thanks A Bunch will be on hand to help them with their festive front door creation in these workshops starting at 10am, 12.30pm and 2:30pm. Numbers are strictly limited to 10 per session and cost just £15 a ticket, which includes hot refreshments and mince pies. Over 16’s only. Tickets can be purchased here.

On Saturday 30th November, the centre will also receive a visit from a really wild guest as a life-like polar bear patrols the centre and poses for Christmas selfies at intervals throughout the day from 10am – 4pm!

On Saturday 7th December, a team of professional ice sculptors will have customers transfixed as a unique piece of art emerges from the ice between 11am and 1pm. The Ice sculpture will be available for customers to view until 5pm.

On Saturday 14th December, customers can see Christmas family favourite ‘Elf’ on the big screen at the centre’s pop-up cinema, opposite F. Hinds in partnership with Bluebird North Events. Tickets are just £4 each, and can be purchased here.

On Saturday 21st December, families will have the opportunity to catch a screening of Christmas family movie ‘The Polar Express’ on the big screen at the pop-up cinema, opposite F. Hinds in partnership with Bluebird North Events. Tickets are just £4 each, and can be purchased here. 

On Saturdays 7th, 14th & 21st December customers are offered the chance to take the flap out of wrapping this festive season and visit ‘Shop Indie’ to have their gifts professionally wrapped.

Vicar Lane is also offering time-stretched shoppers a little relief from their frantic festive preparations with late night shopping on Thursday & Friday 12th & 13th and 19th & 20th December, plus Monday 23rd December.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager, Vicar Lane said, “We understand that shoppers expect a little more than just great stores on their shopping trip these days, so we wanted to offer an exciting experience on every visit this festive season. We look forward to welcoming families of Chesterfield and beyond throughout the Christmas period.’’

Earlier this week, Vicar Lane announced will be home to a brand new, dog-friendly, pop-up bar. The Cap and Whippet will serve up a thirst-quenching menu of beers and spirits, all produced at Derbyshire breweries and distilleries. Customers will also find a range of Christmas gifts to purchase and take home, it will be open from 29th November until Christmas Eve.

Find out more about Christmas at Vicar Lane here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Christmas, Home, Leisure, Visiting

‘Give a Child a Smile’ this Christmas with Peak FM

Peak FM believe that no child should go without at Christmas. Their annual toy appeal campaign, ‘Give a Child a Smile’ is dedicated to collecting toy donations for under privileged children across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Multiple businesses have quickly signed up and volunteered to be official toy drop off points, these locations can be found here.

For the first time Peak FM have secured a pop up shop unit in Chesterfield Town Centre thanks to Pavements Shopping Centre’s help. The pop up is in the old Thomas Cook store at 57 Low Pavements and will be open Thurs – Sun to accept new and unwrapped toys for children ages 0-16 years.

Fast Signs Sheffield & Chesterfield heard about the campaign and kindly donated the window decals for the front of the building making the unit stand out to passers-by.

Sam Earnshaw, Station Director at Peak FM, said: “This is such a wonderful campaign and one that we whole heartedly support at the station. As we all start to get excited about Christmas and gear up for this special time of year it is so sad to think that some children in our local area, for lots of reasons, may go without. We are always staggered by the generosity of our listeners and these toy donations really do help to put a smile on the face of so many children.”

She added: “We work with a broad range of charities and children’s organisations to ensure that toys are distributed in time for Christmas and we are always keen to hear from as many organisations as possible to ensure our donations reach as many children as they can.”

New and unwrapped toys will be distributed to charities and registered children’s organisations in time for Christmas. Donations are being accepted until December 8th 2019 and local businesses and residents are encouraged to get involved.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Christmas, Home, Leisure, Visiting

The Lily Pad celebrates refurbishment and extended Friday night opening hours

The Lily Pad Café and Restaurant, located on Soresby Street in Chesterfield, are celebrating an extensive refurbishment and exciting changes to their menu. They welcomed customers to enjoy the new Friday night dinner menu last week.

The refurbishment brings a new look, a new menu and new opening hours to this popular town-centre eatery which recently won the accolade of the Café / Tea Room of the Year at the Chesterfield Food & Drink Awards 2019.

Head Chef and Manager, Ryan Purrington said: “It is wonderful to welcome our customers back through our doors and we are really pleased to be able to offer our new dinner menu on a Friday evening too. I hope everyone is as impressed with our new look as we are.”

“Our new menu includes some of the old favourites which we know people love us for, but we’ve also developed the menu to include some exciting new additions. We have a much more extensive selection for vegetarians and vegans too. There are a whole host of new features and food and drinks specials for people to try which we are really excited about.”

The Chesterfield College Group own the business and has invested in the refurbishment process. They work with the dedicated front of house and kitchen team at the Lily Pad to help them develop the business.

Jo Kershaw, Director of Business and Professional Services at Chesterfield College said: “The Lily Pad not only offers local diners an amazing choice of menu options, it also has a unique atmosphere which comes from the passion of the team. They work tirelessly to keep their customers happy. When we invested in this business we saw how the passion of this relatively young team created a popular eatery and how apprentices are supported to grow into key roles in the organisation.”

“We also saw the potential to support this town-centre business in its development. It has been a pleasure working with Ryan and his team over the last few months. I hope both new and existing customers will be as pleased with the results of the refurbishment as we are.”

The Lily Pad is now open for breakfast and lunch from Monday to Sunday (closed all day Wednesdays) as well as now serving evening meals on Friday evenings.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Christmas, Development, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Dog-friendly bar to open at Vicar Lane

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre is excited to announce the opening of a brand new, dog-friendly, pop-up bar in the Centre, in the run up to Christmas.

The Cap and Whippet is the brainchild of the owner of local, award-winning bar ‘Brimming with Beer’ which is already a firm favourite with locals. Brimming with Beer was set up in the Summer of 2016 and this year was awarded ‘Chesterfield CAMRA Pub of the Season-Summer 2019’ as well as being entered into the Good Beer Guide.

The Cap and Whippet will serve up a thirst-quenching menu of beers and spirits, all produced at Derbyshire breweries and distilleries. Customers will also find a range of Christmas gifts to purchase and take home.

The Cap and Whippet is named after owner Ben’s Whippet called ‘Tan’ and her favourite flat cap. The bar will be open from 10am – 10pm (midnight at the weekend), 6 days a week from 29th November until Christmas Eve.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager, Vicar Lane said, “We’re really excited to welcome The Cap and Whippet to Vicar Lane this festive season. The dog-friendly bar will offer a thirst-quenching drink to warm the cockles in the approach to Christmas, as well as providing a great venue for friends, colleagues and their dogs to enjoy after work drinks or a night out in Chesterfield.’’

Find out what else is happening at Vicar Lane Shopping Centre this festive season here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Christmas, Development, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Fun for all the family at Chesterfield Christmas lights event

Chesterfield residents and visitors can enjoy the town’s annual Christmas lights-switch on, which offers fun for all the family.

Taking place on Sunday 17 November, the event will see children’s favourite Peter Rabbit  appearing in Rykneld Square outside Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre from noon to 12.30pm, 1pm to 1.30pm, 2pm to 2.30pm and 3pm to 3.30pm.

There will be a market from noon in the market place with stalls offering some great Christmas gift ideas, games and fairground rides.

Many local shops will also be open on the day with a variety of Christmas gifts allowing people to shop local. Chesterfield Market Café in the Market Hall will also be open offering a hot drink and refreshments for visitors.

The stage show will get underway in New Square from 3.30pm with Peak FM providing the fun as presenters, including breakfast presenters Ricky and Becky, take to the stage.

There will also be opportunities for everyone to join in the fun with games and prize giveaways courtesy of Peak FM.

As well as a host of local acts, stars from Jack and the Beanstalk, this year’s pantomime at the Pomegranate Theatre, will also perform on stage. They will be joined by Peter Rabbit for the big switch-on, which takes place at 4.45pm.

Alyson Barnes, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Tourism, Museums and Events Manager, said: “The Christmas lights switch on event is one of the biggest in Chesterfield’s annual calendar of events attracting thousands of people each year. I would encourage families to come along to enjoy the day and also to shop local and support our market and local shops.”

Chesterfield residents can use their free parking pass to park at the following council-run car parks:

  • Albion Road
  • Derbyshire Times
  • Devonshire Street
  • Durrant Road
  • Hollis Lane (excluding on-street bays)
  • Holywell Cross (the ‘Donut’)
  • Queens Park (North and South)
  • Spa Lane
  • Station Road
  • St Mary’s Gate
  • Theatre Lane

There’s a full programme of entertainment for Christmas in Chesterfield from traditional markets to stand up comedy and from gigs to musical concerts.

Find out more about what’s coming up as part of Christmas in Chesterfield here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Christmas, Leisure, Visiting

Celebrating the town’s food and drink scene and relaunching Made in Chesterfield

I have to kick off this month by congratulating everybody that was involved in the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards 2019. I look forward to these sell-out awards every year as it involves a room full of people invested not only in their industry, but in its success in our town.

The black-tie event, held at the historic Winding Wheel Theatre this year, brings the celebration into the heart of the town, where darker evenings are soon to be illuminated by the stunning Christmas lights which are to be switched on on the 17 November.

At the 2019 Chesterfield Food & Drink Awards, Chris Mapp, Head Chef and Owner of The Tickled Trout, was awarded the prestigious Chesterfield Food Hero award.

There are few things that bring people together quite like Christmas. It’s all too easy to get caught up in day-to-day life and put things like family time to one side, but Christmas is a great reason to make time especially around a dinner table.

Chesterfield has a plethora of places to eat and drink that we have never had before. Real ale pubs, gastro pubs, cafes, bars, restaurants, hotels, Italian, Indian, Greek, Japanese, Chinese, French… you name it – Chesterfield’s food and drink scene has it.

There’s a full programme of entertainment for Christmas in Chesterfield from traditional markets to the annual pantomime and from stand up comedy to musical concerts.

Variety, as they say, is the spice of life and as the town grows, we are able to offer more job roles and career opportunities to young people. Nowhere is this more evident than in our manufacturing and engineering sector.

Once again, we’ll be raising awareness of the breadth of jobs and roles in this sector with the annual Made in Chesterfield campaign in November. The programme brings together schools and businesses in the sector in order to open young people’s eyes to the opportunities in the local area – something increasing in importance with increased local developments, investment and, of course, Brexit.

There’s lots going on in the area, festive and otherwise. Let’s fully embrace the community and Christmas spirit and come together to talk up the town. There are fantastic things happening around us that can be easy to dismiss in our day-to-day lives. Let’s all take a moment to appreciate them as 2019 draws to a close (already!).

Blog by Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield

Made in Chesterfield is coordinated by Destination Chesterfield and Derbyshire Education Business Partnership and delivered in association with the University of Derby.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Blog, Business, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Christmas, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Visiting

Chesterfield sees increase in visitor economy

Chesterfield has seen an increase in the visitor economy of more than five per cent in the last year.

New figures released by Global Tourism Solutions show that tourism in the borough accounted for £184.1 million in 2018 – an increase of 5.1 per cent on 2017.

Each year Chesterfield sees 3.7 million visitors.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We are all aware that Chesterfield is a wonderful place to visit and it seems the secret is out.”

“The visitor economy is important for Chesterfield, with so many visitors coming to see our attractions, staying in our hotels, eating in restaurants and cafés and spending in our shops and businesses.”

As well as the world-famous Crooked Spire, the borough is also home to popular attractions including Chesterfield Museum, Revolution House, the Pomegranate and Winding Wheel Theatres and award winning parks including Queen’s Park, all owned and operated by Chesterfield Borough Council.

In addition there is Barrow Hill Roundhouse Railway Centre, Chesterfield Canal and Staveley Hall.

A planning application has recently been submitted by David Lloyd for Adrenaline World, a visitor attraction at the Peak Resort development at Unstone.

Click here to find out more about leisure in Chesterfield

Click here to see our list of great places to visit in Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Christmas, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Visiting

Explore lands far, far away with Chatsworth this Christmas

Be transported on a journey around the globe with Chatsworth this Christmas as you enter an immersive experience full of atmospheric lights, rich colours and the evocative sounds and scents of lands far, far away.

The grand rooms of the house are dressed in homage to countries traversed by generations of the family, so that you can follow in their footsteps led by famous explorers from fiction and life, Phileas Fogg and Amelia Earhart. Your guides will be sharing stories of adventure and derring do from all over the world, while a special children’s trail will add to the fun for families.

Wintry scenes abound with snow, frosty lights and a sleigh sure to deliver the essence of Christmas. The Chapel, inspired by a baroque Portuguese church, is set to look breath-taking with a classic Nativity scene complete with floating candles, mirrors and stained glass.

Blossom trees, Chinese lanterns and a 10-metre spiralling Chinese dragon bring a flavour of Eastern Asia, while Russian dolls and rustic stars dress the gigantic Nordic Fir tree taking pride of place in the Painted Hall.

Insights and anecdotes from historical Dukes and Duchesses of Devonshire are woven throughout your journey, including the letters between Victor (9th Duke of Devonshire) and his wife Evelyn, as she travelled in India with Queen Mary in 1911, and letters home from Canada while Victor was posted there as Governor General, describing a family Christmas and new experiences in a faraway land.

The team has delved into the collection to find a treasure trove of memorabilia from around the world, including a Christmas card from America’s first family, the Kennedys, who have many connections to Chatsworth.

Morocco, India, Holland, Italy, China, Japan, Portugal and America all feature in what is one of the most ambitious Christmas seasons staged by Chatsworth, famous for its festive displays. Venetian masks, pagodas, origami decorations, frosted ferns and Indian fabrics are just some of the props used to stage a rich, eclectic experience on a journey around the world.

Before they leave, visitors can hop into the hot air balloon basket for a photo opportunity.

Tickets go on sale today, 18 September 2019, priced at £25 per adult and £15 per child (aged between 3-16). Family tickets are also available.

For more information, visit www.chatsworth.org.

Pictures by Daniel Casson

Posted in About Chesterfield, Christmas, Leisure, Visiting

‘Eat, Drink, Explore’ Campaign celebrates food and drink in the Peak District

Fantastic food and drink is placed right at the heart of the local tourism offer in Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s exciting new campaign, launched  by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire at Chatsworth Country Fair.

Celebrating the area’s diverse food and drink scene and the passionate people behind the products, the video features 20 local businesses and includes well-known faces from the food and drink industry, together with ambassadors for the area.

Additionally, Marketing Peak District & District has launched a fabulous food and drink guide providing visitors with inspiration and information on eating and drinking in the area.

Championing everything from exceptional eateries to unique delicacies such as Bakewell Pudding, the guide seeks to inspire visitors to sample local produce, explore more and uncover fascinating stories about the Peak District and Derbyshire’s passionate producers.

Click here to access the digital version of the Eat, Drink, Explore guide. which includes Richard Alsop from Chesterfield Champion’s Edge Events talking about his favorite food places in Chesterfield.

The brochure will be available free of charge at food and drink businesses, boutique accommodation providers and cultural hotspots across the area and in surrounding cities.

The ‘Eat, Drink, Explore Peak District & Derbyshire’ campaign will target food-lovers both locally, nationally and internationally, showcasing the area’s year-round culinary offering in a bid to drive overnight stays and extend the tourist season.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District and Derbyshire, said: “We’re delighted to launch this exciting new campaign promoting the Peak District and Derbyshire as a one-of-a-kind culinary destination.

“From fine dining in a Michelin-starred restaurant to unique local delicacies, brilliant behind-the-scenes tours and fascinating foraging experiences, the Peak District and Derbyshire can cater for all tastes.

The Duke of Devonshire said: “As the most enthusiastic advocates of Derbyshire, we are delighted that Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire are championing the exceptional wealth of culinary talent that the region has on offer.

“We are incredibly lucky to have wonderful pubs, talented chefs, lots of loyal local farmers,  suppliers and producers for our restaurants and award-winning Farm Shop on the Chatsworth Estate – we are thrilled to be able to share these with an even wider audience.”

In October, Destination Chesterfield will announce the latest winners of the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards showcasing more of the wonderful businesses in the Peak District.

Find out more about the best places to eat and drink and the amazing food producers in Chesterfield

Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Christmas, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

CBeebies ‘Waffle’ Star Joins Chesterfield Panto

Chesterfield Theatres have announced that star of CBeebies Waffle the Wonder Dog,  Andrea Valls, will join the cast of this year’s traditional family pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, at the Pomegranate Theatre from Friday 6th December 2019 to Sunday 5th January 2020.

Instantly recognisable to youngsters (and their parents) as ‘Mum’ Jess, in CBeebies heart-warming family comedy show Waffle the Wonder Dog, Andrea will make her pantomime debut this Christmas as Princess Jess.

Andrea has enjoyed great success with BAFTA-nominated Waffle the Wonder Dog which first hit TV screens in Spring 2018. The critically acclaimed show, now in its third series, is broadcast in 30 countries worldwide and has been viewed by over 24 million people on BBC IPlayer alone. The programme which features the talking wonder dog Waffle, voiced by the aptly named Rufus Hound, and which focuses on the newly blended Brooklyn-Bell family was an instant favourite with viewers and critics alike, praised for its sensitive and humorous handling of the everyday issues that affect young children, helping viewers to understand and cope with confusing emotions.

Away from ‘Waffle’ Andrea, who trained at East 15 Acting School, has starred in Jack & Dean of All Trades alongside Jessica Hynes, Valentine’s Night for Sky Arts and is currently writing and developing a digital sketch series.

Pantomime producer Paul Holman said: “With her natural warmth, charm and energy not to mention a fantastic singing voice, Andrea is the perfect choice for our vivacious Princess Jess and if she can handle a talking dog I’m sure our Giant will be no match for her!”

Andrea joins the previously announced star of pop supergroup Steps, Lee Latchford-Evans, who takes the title role of Jack in this year’s spectacular production. Filled to the brim with toe-tapping pop songs, high energy dance routines, laugh-out-loud comedy and breathtaking special effects along with all the well-loved pantomime traditions and plenty of chances to join in the fun, Jack and the Beanstalk has something for all the family this Christmas.

Jack and the Beanstalk runs at Pomegranate Theatre from Friday 6th December 2019 to Sunday 5th January 2020. Tickets are on sale now and can be booked online at www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk or via the Box Office on 01246 345 222.

Persuasion by Jane Austen

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Christmas, Leisure, Visiting

Pop Superstar STEPS into Chesterfield Panto

Chesterfield Theatres have announced that Lee Latchford-Evans from pop super group Steps will headline in the title role of this year’s spectacular family pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, at the Pomegranate Theatre.

Lee joined pop phenomenon Steps in 1997 and achieved huge success with the band selling in excess of 21 million records worldwide and winning numerous awards including the prestigious BRIT award for Best Live Act in 2000.

After a decade apart pursuing individual projects, Steps re-formed in 2011 with top-rated fly-on-the wall documentary Steps Reunion. The overwhelming popularity with which Steps’ return was received sparked a second TV series, Steps on the Road, a sell-out arena tour and a No. 1 album.

To celebrate their 20th anniversary in 2017, Steps released their fifth studio album, Tears on the Dancefloor which, again, topped the charts and had a sell-out arena tour, Party on the Dancefloor, leading to their epic outdoor Summer of Steps Tour in 2018. Following this, the band announced that they will be starting work on their hotly anticipated sixth studio album in 2019.

Away from the band, experienced actor Lee has also starred in musicals in London’s West End including playing Teen Angel in Grease, Niko Nikovsky in Eurobeat and touring with the stage version of All Creatures Great and Small. Lee’s feature films include Cash & Curry, The Rizen, DeadRinger and, most recently, horror comedy Paintball Massacre which completed filming in 2019. He has also starred in numerous pantomimes throughout the UK.

Pantomime producer Paul Holman said: “I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect Jack for Chesterfield’s panto. Lee has charm, good looks and, of course, an outstanding singing voice making him a ‘Step’ above the rest.”

With floor-filling songs, rip-roaring comedy, awe-inspiring special effects and a magical story that all the family can enjoy, Jack and the Beanstalk promises to be Chesterfield’s most STEP-tacular panto yet!

Jack and the Beanstalk runs at Pomegranate Theatre from Friday 6th December 2019 to Sunday 5th January 2020. Tickets are on sale now and can be booked online at www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk or via the Box Office on 01246 345 222.

Chesterfield Pantomime - Jack and the Beanstalk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Christmas, Leisure, Visiting