Leisure

Chesterfield Town Centre Car Boot Approved

Plans for Chesterfield’s Sunday morning car boot to move to Chesterfield town centre have been approved by Chesterfield Borough Council’s planning committee.

At their meeting yesterday, members of the planning committee agreed to the move of the weekly council-run car boot sale, which is currently held at the Proact Stadium, to Rose Hill car park from July.

The last car boot sale at the Proact Stadium is due to be held on Sunday 14 July with the first one anticipated to take place at Rose Hill car park, behind the Town Hall from Sunday 21 July.

The car park will close each Sunday morning for the car boot sale to take place from 8am to 1pm with access for traders from 7am.

Plans have been put in place for traders arriving early to wait on Rose Hill to prevent disruption for residents on nearby streets.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy said: “It’s exciting to see the car boot sale move to the town centre.

“We have kept existing traders informed of the plans and we look forward to welcoming traders old and new as well as new customers to the car boot sale at Rose Hill car park from July.”

Chesterfield borough residents can use their free parking pass to park for free in nearby surface car parks including: Albion Road and Holywell Cross (Donut) car parks.

Additional free parking for residents is available at: Derbyshire Times, Devonshire Street, Durrant Road, Hollis Lane (excluding on-street bays), Queens Park (North and South), Spa Lane, Station Road, St Mary’s Gate and Theatre Lane car parks.

Any new traders looking to stand at the car boot sale at Rose Hill car park should contact the council’s markets team by calling (01246) 345999 or email markets@chesterfield.gov.uk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Exhibition of Chatsworth treasures in New York could boost U.S. visitors to Peak District and Derbyshire

The Peak District and Derbyshire could look forward to a rise in visits from the US as a prestigious exhibition of art and objects from Chatsworth launches at Sotheby’s in New York.

Free of charge and open to the public from 28 June – 18 September 2019, Treasures from Chatsworth: The Exhibition, offers a rare chance to view the legendary Devonshire Collection in the US.

As well as offering a showcase to some of the Derbyshire stately home’s most famous treasures, it is hoped the exhibition will inspire more US tourists to book a trip to the Peak District and Derbyshire – discovering the area’s vibrant cultural scene in the process.

Treasures from Chatsworth will feature over 40 masterworks including fine art, decorative objects, furniture, jewellery, clothing and archival materials from the Devonshire Collection – widely celebrated as one of the most significant art collections in Europe. All objects have been accumulated over 500 years by the Cavendish family, and held at Chatsworth near Bakewell.

Research from VisitBritain shows that the UK’s culture and heritage is a huge draw for overseas visitors – with more than £8 billion spent annually by international tourists who visit castles/historic houses in the UK (based on 2016 figures).

Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, the area’s official tourist board, says the exhibition will help to raise awareness of the area’s rich cultural heritage, which ranges from stately homes such as Chatsworth, home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, to a vibrant arts scene and sites of worldwide historical importance, such as the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.

The US is the UK’s most valuable inbound visitor market for tourism spend, with US visitors spending a record £3.6 billion across the UK in 2017, up 9% on the previous year. Visits from the US grew 13% to 3.9 million in the same period.

The US also ranked the UK second out of 50 nations for its overall brand in the 2018 Anholt Nation Brands Index, up one place on 2017 and equalling its highest ranking ever.

Tourism’s value to the Peak District and Derbyshire economy was worth £2.15 billion in 2017, supporting 28,630 full-time jobs with 40.45 million visitors travelling to the area in the same period.*

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said:  “Promoting the Peak District and Derbyshire on a global scale is at the heart of our work, so it is fantastic news that items from Chatsworth’s prestigious Devonshire Collection will be exhibited in New York this summer.

“Boosting visitor numbers and increasing visitor spend is paramount in ensuring that the local economy can reap the benefits of tourism, and the Treasures from Chatsworth exhibition will serve as a great international showcase for the area’s rich cultural heritage.

“Chatsworth is one of the UK’s leading stately homes and we hope the exhibition will inspire more US visitors to add Chatsworth, and the wider Peak District and Derbyshire area, to their must-visit list.’

Derbyshire County Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Leadership, Culture and Tourism, Councillor Barry Lewis, said: “Promoting Derbyshire as a global cultural and tourist destination is one of our top priorities and Chatsworth is one of the jewels in Derbyshire’s crown, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors to our county each year.

“So we’re thrilled to hear some of the estate’s treasures will be showcased in New York and hope it will whet the appetite of American tourists who will be encouraged to visit Derbyshire and see all our beautiful county has to offer for themselves.”

Gavin Landry, VisitBritain Director of the Americas, said: “It is great to have this exhibition come to the US and shine a spotlight on the cultural draw of the Peak District and Derbyshire, inspiring Americans to travel to Britain.

“Our research shows that many US visitors are motivated to travel to Britain due to our history and heritage and this exhibition is sure to get more Americans to experience the delights of Chatsworth and the surrounding area and extend their stay.”

Images: Chatsworth House Trust

The Painted Hall at Chatsworth (credit Chatsworth House Trust)

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Chesterfield Manufacturer’s Goods Selected for Famous London Retailer

Chesterfield business Ingmans is celebrating after a luxury briefcase which retails at £3,995 has been commissioned by Joseph Cheaney & Sons.

Their leather luggage brand “Cobb England” is manufactured in the heart of Chesterfield alongside their retail and cobbler business.

Andy Ingman said “To say we are proud to be commissioned by a 150 year old,  established English company, with such prestige as “Joseph Cheaney & Sons is an understatement of great magnitude.
Joseph Cheaney are one of the UK’s greatest quality, Goodyear welted shoe manufacturers. ”

“Great Britain ?? is  the cultivator of the shoe industry in the 18th century, and has held its own on a global front ever since. So for our company as small as it may be, shows craftsmanship, quality, consistency and tenacity has made us break through into our capital London. Not only that, Jermyn street which is famous for retail throughout the world.”

The business relocated to the former Burton’s Store in Chesterfield on Burlington Street in 2018.

Andy Ingman, added “We wanted to create a lovely place to shop with a unique experience where we can offer excellent customer service.  We have a beautiful stock of shoes, clothing & handmade leather goods and we have also created a wonderful workspace for shoe repairs.”

Ingmans have also been nominated as a finalist in the best new store category at the Chesterfield Retail Awards.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Summer, 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

Get a Free Personal Caricature at Vicar Lane

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, Chesterfield is excited to announce plans to offer customers the chance to receive a FREE personal caricature at the centre this spring bank holiday weekend.

They are inviting customers to come and take a seat for one of two professional caricature artists, who will be waiting with pens poised from 11am – 4pm on Saturday 25th May, to create a portrait of their cartoon likeness, completely FREE.

It’s the ideal occasion for visitors receive a unique piece of art for the wall or a memento of a day out with friends or family.

The artists will be located at St. James Square on the grass area throughout the day and Caricatures will be offered on a strictly first come, first served basis. These take just approximately 15 minutes to create, so customers are advised to arrive early to avoid disappointment.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager, Vicar Lane said, “We know how customers are expecting more and more from their shopping trip these days so we wanted to host a small-scale event to brighten their day. A free caricature is sure to make a unique and quirky addition to any home, so we’re sure customers of all ages will appreciate them.”

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Chesterfield Named as One of the UK’s Most Instagrammed Towns

Chesterfield has been named the 32nd most instagrammed town in the UK according to research by Cheaphotels4uk.

The travel website used Instagram to analyse where can you find the most picturesque towns in all of the UK.

It researched the photo sharing platform to find out which towns are the most Instagrammed, by examining how many times a post of every UK town had been shared on the site.

You can read the full results at https://cheaphotels4uk.com/travel-guide/best-towns-uk

Find out what is happening in Chesterfield on Instagram – Give us a follow here.

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

30 retailers make the shortlist for the 2019 Chesterfield Retail Awards

30 Chesterfield retailers are set to go head-to-head in the sixth annual Chesterfield Retail Awards.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield, the awards will see shops, stores, barbers, clinics, market stalls and events battling it out to claim at least one of 15 titles.

In a record year for nominations, 17 businesses have been shortlisted for the first time in the prestigious Chesterfield Retail Awards, while three businesses – Geeks Headquarters Ltd, Specsavers and Adorn Jewellers of Chesterfield – hope to defend their 2018 titles.

This year also sees the introduction of a brand new category – Best Town Centre Event, sponsored by Spire Radio – which is designed to recognise the contribution events make to both increased footfall and the vibrancy of Chesterfield.

The awards shortlist follows a lengthy nomination and judging process. All the shortlisted businesses will also battle it out for the coveted overall title of Retailer of the Year 2019, sponsored by East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire).

The winners of the awards will be announced at a black-tie awards ceremony held at Casa Hotel on Wednesday 19 June.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “We were blown away by the amount of nominations in the awards this year; there were more than ever before, mirroring the year-on-year success of these popular awards. We now have a strong shortlist for the 2019 awards, which represents the town’s high-quality, varied retail scene. It promises to be an exciting evening at Casa Hotel next month.”

The businesses across the 13 categories shortlisted so far in this year’s Chesterfield Retail Awards include:

 

Hair & Beauty Business of the Year

  • Belle Vie
  • Less than Zero Barbers
  • TAG Aesthetics

 

Fashion and Footwear Retailer of the Year

  • DHC Countrywear
  • Dotique
  • Something Special Bridal

 

Home & Gifts Retailer of the Year

  • Adorn Jewellers of Chesterfield
  • Astra Designs
  • Etienne Curtains & Blinds

 

Food & Drink Retailer of the Year

  • Ibbotson’s Fresh Quality Produce
  • Rate Good Brownie Boxes
  • R P Davidson Cheese Factor

 

Leisure Retailer of the Year

  • Geeks Headquarters Ltd
  • Quinney’s Pet Supplies
  • StraightCurves

 

Market Hall Business of the Year

  • Fairplay Gift Emporium
  • R P Davidson Cheese Factor
  • Thanks A Bunch

 

Best New Store 2018/2019

  • Astra Designs
  • Ingman’s
  • The Little White Dress

 

Market Trader of the Year

  • Roper’s Honey
  • Spire Vintage
  • Top Cards

 

Independent Retailer of the Year

  • H&F
  • Something Special Bridal
  • Tech CPR

 

National/Multiple Retailer of the Year

  • The Body Shop
  • RSPCA
  • Specsavers

 

Excellence in Customer Service

  • Adorn Jewellers of Chesterfield
  • Dotique
  • Something Special Bridal

 

Best Town Centre Event

  • Chesterfield Artisan Market
  • Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival
  • Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon

 

Supporters of the 2019 Chesterfield Retail Awards include: Apprentice Town (led by Chesterfield Borough Council), Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), eBusiness Works, Elite Private Education, Hoods Florist, In The Works PR, Jumble Creative Design, JP Fire Safety, Learning Unlimited (The Chesterfield College Group), Pavements Shopping Centre, Peak FM, Spire Radio, Temple Safety and University of Derby.

For more information about the awards, visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/retailawards

Chesterfield Retail Awards 2018, held at the Winding Wheel, Chesterfield, organised by Destination Chesterfield. 13 June 2018

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

Line up announced for Chesterfield Pride

Chesterfield Pride returns this Summer and they have announced their line up of performers.

Organisers have said the 2019 event which takes place on the 21st July at Stand Road is set to be even bigger with some new added features.  Last years event was attended by around 6000 people.

The line up on the Main Stage at Chesterfield Pride has an eclectic mix of performers. Headlining is 80’s star and TV personality SONIA, who will be performing her greatest hits including her number one single “You’ll Never Stop Me from Loving You”.  Dance legend SHENA who is the powerhouse vocalist behind the dance hits “The Weekend”, “Watch Out” and “Son Of  Gun” will also appear. There will also be stars of “The Voice”, “Britain’s Got Talent” and “The X Factor” keeping people entertained throughout the day.

New for 2019 is the cabaret tent. This will be bringing you the best in local performers and International Drag Queens. This includes the star of BBC ONE’S “All Together Now” Divina De Campo and the hilarious Ky Kelly as well as well known local performers including Jayrar, Rachael Webster and The Shambles.

“We are really proud how far the event has come and how well it has been received. The event has a real buzz about it and it continues to grow. Everyone is welcome.”

Find out more about Chesterfield Pride 

Chesterfield Pride

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Businesses urged to nominate their food and drink apprentices for top award

The search has begun to find Chesterfield’s Food and Drink Apprentice of the Year in the 2019 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards.

Sponsored by Apprentice Town (led by Chesterfield Borough Council), the award was introduced last year to recognise the significant contribution young people are making to the town’s thriving food and drink sector.

Awards organiser Destination Chesterfield is urging businesses to now publicly recognise the hard work and dedication of their apprentices by nominating them for the prestigious award. Nominations must be made by midnight on Wednesday 5 June.

Last year the title was won by Corey Elliot (below), an apprentice at The Lilypad Café & Restaurant who plans one day to have his own restaurant.

As well as putting forward their apprentices, businesses can also nominate themselves for the Apprentice Employer of the Year award, which is sponsored by Learning Unlimited (The Chesterfield College Group). Last year the award was won by Stephenson’s Tea & Coffee House.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield added: “Chesterfield’s hospitality sector is growing steadily bringing jobs as well as new tastes and experiences to the town. It’s an exciting time for the sector. This award recognises the importance of apprenticeships in the sector to ensure the town has the skilled workforce to meet the demands of investors.”

“A new Premier Inn recently opened in the former Co-op on Elder Way creating 60 new jobs and more jobs and opportunities in the sector will be coming on board at Elder Way, Chesterfield Waterside and Peak Resort. These developments all need ambitious young people who are keen to build a career, not only in hospitality but also in Chesterfield.”

Neil Johnson, Assistant Director for Economic Growth at Chesterfield Borough Council, which leads the ground-breaking Apprentice Town initiative commented: “Apprentice Town is committed to raising the participation of young people in apprenticeships in Chesterfield.”

“The Award category sponsorship is an important part of the initiative’s drive to raise awareness of the many apprenticeships within the food and drink sector. Equally important, is recognising and celebrating the achievement of the young people who are currently undertaking their apprenticeship, and this award does just that.”

Other supporters of the awards include Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP Chartered Accountants, Casa Hotel, Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire. Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), Edge Events Management Ltd, Elder Way (Jomast Developments), FEAST – Food and Drink Forum, Hoods Florist, Jumble Creative Design, Kier Group, Learning Unlimited (The Chesterfield College Group), Magnifica, MSE Hiller, Owen Taylor & Sons, Peak FM, Reflections Magazine (Bannister Publications Ltd) and Shorts Chartered Accountants.

To nominate an apprentice, or put your business forward for an award, please visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards/apprentices-and-apprentice-employers/

Posted in Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Foodie families wanted to help find Chesterfield’s best family friendly restaurant

Destination Chesterfield, organiser of the town’s Food and Drink Awards is looking for a foodie family to help find the town’s best family friendly eatery.

Last year the popular Family Friendly award, which is sponsored by Jumble Creative Design, was won by Chesters Restaurant & Takeaway on Sheffield Road.

Now, the search is on to find 2019’s family friendly favourite and Destination Chesterfield needs you to help!

One young family with children aged under 12 is wanted to judge the shortlisted family-friendly establishments. They will help decide who takes the Family-Friendly title in the 2019 Awards which is held in association with the Chesterfield College Group.

The lucky family will win an all-expenses-paid meal for four at three local establishments.  They will also receive two tickets to attend the glittering 2019 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards ceremony on Wednesday 23 October at the Winding Wheel in the heart of Chesterfield.

To enter the competition applicants simply have to tell Destination Chesterfield why their family should be chosen to mystery shop for the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards.

Entries to the competition close at midnight on Tuesday 4 June and can be made online at www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards/family-judge-competition or, they can be made by post to:

Food and Drink Awards Competition,
Destination Chesterfield
Commerce House
Millennium Way
Dunston Road
S41 8ND

Now in its sixth year, the Family-Friendly award aims to find the town’s ultimate eatery that offers great food, excellent facilities for young children, special menus and goes the extra mile to make sure families enjoy their dining experience. As well as enjoying a meal, the winning family will be required to mark the establishments on food, ease of access, cleanliness and the quality and variety of children’s food.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, commented: “Who better to decide the winner of the Family Friendly Award 2019 than families themselves? This competition is a great chance for families in the area to voice their opinion and get to enjoy a meal out too.”

The awards ceremony, which will be held in autumn, promises to be a glittering affair hosted by a celebrity chef (to be announced soon). In addition to the Family Friendly award, there will also be 14 other winners announced at the ceremony.

Other supporters of the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards include Apprentice Town (led by Chesterfield Borough Council), Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP Chartered Accountants, Casa Hotel, Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), Edge Events Management Ltd, Elder Way by Jomast Developments, FEAST – Food and Drink Forum, Hoods Florist, Kier Group, Learning Unlimited (The Chesterfield College Group), Magnifica, MSE Hiller, Owen Taylor & Sons, Peak FM and Reflections Magazine (Bannister Publications Ltd) and Shorts Chartered Accountants.

To keep up-to-date on developments with the 2019 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, please visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards .

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

Nominate now in the 2019 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards

Nominations are now open for Chesterfield’s premier food and drink awards.

The seventh annual Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, which is organised by Destination Chesterfield, returns on Wednesday 23 October.

Ahead of the glittering awards ceremony at the Winding Wheel, Destination Chesterfield is calling on people to nominate their favourite restaurants, bars, cafés, pubs, food producers and tearooms in the 2019 awards.

Nominations across 10 award categories can be made online until midnight on Sunday 12 May at https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards .

The categories include:

The shortlisted businesses will be revealed in July, including the shortlist for the coveted Restaurant of the Year title, which was won by Bottle & Thyme in 2018.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, urged people to get nominating. He commented: “It’s important that we recognise the contribution the town’s growing food and drink sector is making to the local economy. Many of the businesses within it are also helping put Chesterfield on the map nationally. The awards are designed to ensure that we recognise and celebrate businesses in the sector. If you have a favourite, make sure you nominate them.”

Julie Richards, Principal and Chief Executive of Chesterfield College Group, which is the headline sponsor of the awards, said: “We are delighted to be the headline sponsor of the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards for 2019. The event is one of the highlights of the year and a mutually-beneficial partnership between Destination Chesterfield and the college.”

Other supporters of the awards include Apprentice Town (led by Chesterfield Borough Council), Casa Hotel, Derbyshire Times, Elder Way (Jomast Developments), FEAST – Food and Drink Forum, Hoods Florist, Learning Unlimited (The Chesterfield College Group), Magnifica, Owen Taylor & Sons, Peak FM and Reflections Magazine (Bannister Publications Ltd).

To find out more about the awards, please visit: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards/

Food & drink 2018 winners

Food & drink 2018 winners

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

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