Summer Nights Outdoor Film Festival is back for an eighth year at thirteen fabulous locations across the UK. Presented by QUAD on an inflatable twelve metre screen, Summer Nights Festival screenings offer the chance to enjoy the great outdoors for a unique cinematic experience.

This year the festival will be back at Hardwick Hall for screenings of The Greatest Showman (PG) and Dirty Dancing (12A).

Hugh Jackman and Zac Efron star in The Greatest Showman, the musical re-telling of P.T. Barnum’s creation of the Barnum & Bailey Circus. After Barnum (Hugh Jackman) loses his job as a clerk, he takes out a bank loan to enter the amusement industry, eventually opening Barnum’s Circus. After being berated for simply running a ‘freak show’, Barnum hires a young playwright (Zac Efron) in order to appeal to a more highbrow audience. Featuring all the dazzling spectacle of the circus itself, the film proved to be an unexpected box office sensation with the song ‘This is Me’ going on to become a Golden Globe winner.

In Dirty Dancing drama, music and romance are the order of the day for Frances “Baby” Houseman as she spends summer in a holiday camp and falls in love with dance instructor Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze).

Hardwick Hall will be screening The Greatest Showman on Friday 17^th August, Dirty Dancing on Saturday 18^th August.

QUAD is Derby’s centre for art and film, a mixed arts venue based on the Market Place. The centre has been at the heart of Derby’s cultural scene since it opened in September in 2008, and is internationally recognised for providing quality and excellence in the Arts.

QUAD delivers an exciting, innovative and diverse programme which is popular with visitors of all ages, with a reputation in Photography, digital innovation & family friendly events. The venue organises Derby Film Festival, FORMAT International Photography Festival and Summer Nights Outdoor Film Festival.

Getting up close to the world’s leading riders and their magnificent horses as they gallop around the cross country course winding through the stunning Chatsworth parkland is just one of draws at the Dodson & Horrell Chatsworth International Horse Trials (11-13 May 2018).

Have-a-go fun dog agility and displays; a fun dog show open to all; pony club games; the popular Rescue Bears and a hilarious Sheep Show ensure there is something for all the family to enjoy at this year’s event.  Around the Chatsworth parkland, the programme is packed with demos, shows, have-a-go activities and children’s entertainment on both Saturday (12) and Sunday (13) along with a quality food and shopping offer.

In the Arena British scurry and driving trials see ponies and their drivers tackle an obstacle course which is made from cones, barriers, flags, arches and ramps all against the clock. It’s loads of fun with miniature ponies taking on large cob ponies and single ponies pitted against multiple teams.

On Sunday, the popular Pony Club mounted games will see teams taking part in a competition which requires courage, determination and all-round riding ability. Young riders will also battle it out taking their ponies over the show jumps in the Pony Club show jumping competition.

Don’t miss the chance to have a bear hug with this very special group of canine lifesavers, the Newfoundland Rescue Bear Dogs. Originally bred as a water rescue dog, these gentle giants weigh in at 90kg and can to glide through the water with minimal effort. History is full of amazing stories about Newfoundlands who have saved the lives of people drowning.

Dog owners can put their canine friend to the test with the Autarky fun have-a-go dog agility. Your dog will love flying over jumps, racing through tunnels, up and over A-frames, and negotiating in and out of weave poles in this fun agility activity. Or enter your pet pooch into one of the Autarky Show Classes: Most Handsome Dog, Prettiest Bitch, Best Rescue, Best Veteran, Best Child Handler 7–12 years and Best in Show can all be signed up for on the day.

The Paws For Thought team, run by ex-police dog handler Stuart Brace, demonstrate entertaining tricks and games that can be done with dogs showing that real fun can be had training a dog, whatever the breed. For more insight into canine behaviour, the Mullinscote Gun Dog Display Team will give a fun show employing various training methods, human and dog psychology, featuring dogs of varying breeds and ages from a puppy to fully trained dogs.

The Sheep Show, featuring some real woolly characters, has captured the hearts and attention of many. New Zealander Richard Savory and his presenters Stuart and Warren entertain and educate with their fantastic sheep. Nobby, the Norfolk Horn, stands centre stage while others are introduced to their podiums, all to their own theme tunes. Learn about each breed’s attributes and how wool from the sheep’s back becomes a jumper to wear. The shearing demonstration will have the audience captivated. However, the highlight will be the ‘Sheep Show Hustle’ or dancing sheep!

For an insight into working animals, The Yorkshire Countryman will demonstrate how he trains his spaniels and birds of prey to work together, along with the chance to see his popular ferrets, known for their inquisitive nature and playful behaviour.

From face painting and pottery painting to a giant bouncy castle, there is something for all children and those young at heart. Learn how to juggle balls and clubs, diablos and devil sticks, master olympic ribbons and cups and balls. Walk on cups or fun stilts and pedal-go’s, spin a plate or a rope or hula hoop.

The drop in pottery painting offers lots of fun ways to get creative – draw, paint, stamp or sponge a piece of pottery to create a special piece to take home.

Sam Horrell, CEO at Dodson & Horrell, commented:-

“The setting at Chatsworth provides a wonderful backdrop to host an array of fun attractions for all the family. We are looking forward to an exciting weekend of competition and experiencing the unique atmosphere with competitors and spectators alike.”

Gail Dale, Chatsworth, said:-

“The Horse Trials are a wonderful family day out offering something for everyone. We’ve got loads going on all weekend alongside the equestrian sport, whether it’s browsing the shopping village and fine food walk or taking a picnic to enjoy by the river.”

Day tickets on the gate for Saturday and Sunday are £20 for adults and £5 for children aged 5-14. Children under the age of five are free. All tickets include free parking. Discounted tickets are available to buy online up until 6 May.

Anastacia will join Lionel Richie when he performs at the Proact on Thursday, June 21.

Special guest Anastacia will join the ‘All The Hits’ tour in Northampton, Perth, Lincoln, Shrewsbury and Chesterfield – making it the perfect opportunity to see her present her electric pop music live.

Anastacia burst onto the global music scene with her debut ‘Not That Kind’ and has since gone onto massive world renowned success achieving over 20 million worldwide sales, making her one of the fastest and biggest selling artists of the new millennium.

With over a dozen Top 40 entries to her name, spurred on by multi-platinum, global hits ‘I’m Outta Love’ and ‘Left Outside Alone’ and major hits ‘Sick and Tired.’ Anastacia has achieved number one hits in 19 countries, a shower of gold and platinum awards, more than 100 million YouTube views, three BRIT Award nominations and more.

These will be Lionel’s first UK shows since receiving glittering reviews for the ‘All The Hits’ tour which included three nights at London’s The O2. The dates followed a phenomenal Glastonbury performance which drew the biggest crowd of the weekend as over 200,000 people flocked to the Pyramid Stage.

Lionel’s incredible success continued as his album ‘The Definitive Collection’ topped the charts and provided his first UK Number 1 in 23 years.

The FA Women’s Premier League Cup Final will be staged at the Proact Stadium on Sunday, April 29.

Leicester City and Blackburn Rovers, second and fifth respectively in the Northern Division, will battle it out for supremacy.

Carol West, Chairman of the FA Women’s Premier League, said:-

“The Proact Stadium is a fitting platform for our showcase Cup Final.

“The FA Women’s Premier League Cup is an institution in its own right and I know that both Blackburn Rovers and Leicester City will more than do it justice on the day.

“Both clubs are worthy finalists after very hard-fought campaigns and I’m sure both will be determined to lift the Cup and have their name etched into this competition’s long and distinguished history.”

Gemma Donnelly, Blackburn manager, said:-

“This is the first senior league cup final that Blackburn Rovers have reached in the history of the ladies’ team.

“We are both extremely proud and excited to be involved in this competition. We look forward to the occasion and will enjoy the experience.”

Jonathan Morgan, Leicester boss, added:-

“To reach our first ever national final is a fantastic achievement for everyone at the club.

“Players, coaches, volunteers, sponsors and all our supporters should be proud of this milestone for Leicester City Women and should know that they have all played a big part in getting the team this far.

“We are thoroughly looking forward to the challenge ahead.”

The Proact is celebrating also being chosen as host of the UEFA European Under-17 Championship final tournament in May. Chesterfield will host the opening game, 2 groups games, a quarter final and a semi final match.

Chesterfield Pride returns to Chesterfield on July 22^nd to a new location at Stand Road Park.

This year marks the fourth anniversary of the event and it is growing from strength to strength. Last year over 4500 people attended the event and this year is set to be even bigger.

This year sees a star-studded line up of acts including MOBO award winning Big Brovas, who will be performing their hits “Nu Flow”, “Favourite Things”, and “Baby Boy”.

Also headlining the event are 00’s pop star Lolly (who had 5 top 20 hits) and International dance act Booty Luv. Joining them are a mix of X Factor stars, Pride favourites and local performers.

Dan Walker, Organiser of Chesterfield Pride, said:-

“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.”

At the event there will be food outlets, a licensed bar, children’s area and market stalls. The event will be donation only and VIP passes are also available on the day. For more information about the free event click here.

Chesterfield recently celebrated the LGBT+ community with an exhibition at the museum between February and April. The Other Stories exhibit was held in partnership with Derbyshire LGBT+, exploring the personal stories and social history of the LGBT+ community in Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire.

Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire are set to become cultural tourism destinations once again this spring, as season three of The Grand Tour opens on 24 March.

Four of the UK’s most respected cultural institutions unite again to host a varied programme of exhibitions – Nottingham Contemporary, Chatsworth, Derby Museums and The Harley Gallery Welbeck – the collaborative programme will give visitors the opportunity to view the existing classic art collections as well as exciting new work by leading contemporary artists, explore the rich architectural heritage of the area and enjoy the stunning landscapes, gardens, cities and towns of both counties.

The third season of The Grand Tour focuses on creation and discovery, exploring the region’s strong industrial heritage and legacy. The programme’s leading exhibitions invite visitors to use their senses to explore time, discovery and progress.

Chatsworth has been home to influential British artist Linder Sterling as its first artist-in-residence. During her six-month residency, Linder has immersed herself in estate life of today and of days gone by. An exhibition, ‘Linder, An Artist in Residency’ (24 March – 21 October) showcasing new pieces created during her stay, will invite visitors to use their senses to explore the past and present of Chatsworth, featuring incense created from the estate, images on textiles as well as recorded oral histories and musical compositions.

Linder’s residency has also informed a major new artist-curated exhibition at Nottingham Contemporary (24 March – 17 June) called ‘The House of Fame’. Linder’s largest retrospective in the UK sees some of her iconic photomontages and performances from over the last 40 years, accompanied by a collection of her influences and wide-ranging collaborators, collating art and architecture, fashion and theatre, music and design.

The Harley Gallery’s exhibition ‘Half in Shadow: Half in Light’ (24 March – 30 June), is a collaboration with the British artist Clare Twomey, exploring life on the historic Welbeck estate through a series of lithophanes. The lithophanes, inspired by a tea cup that the artist saw in the V&A Museum, will be lit from behind to reveal contemporary life on the estate, through the lens of the past, present and future.

Derby Museum & Art Gallery’s exhibition ‘The Art of Industry: From Joseph Wright to the 21^st Century’ (24 March – 30 June) will look back at the region’s industrial history and manufacturing landscape through both historic artefacts and contemporary artistic interpretation. Derby-born artist Joseph Wright’s ‘An Iron Forge’, painted in 1772 and now in the Tate collection, will return to the city for the first time since the 18^th century to be displayed alongside works by Ford Madox Brown, L. S. Lowry, Graham Sutherland and Sir Edwardo Paolozzi.

As in previous seasons, the Grand Tour will extend beyond these four venues with a host of fringe venues providing endless opportunities for the culture tourist to experience a broad range of art.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director, Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, the area’s official tourist board, said:

“The Grand Tour offers staying visitors the ideal opportunity to discover Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire’s wealth of classical and contemporary culture, built heritage and beautiful landscapes during short breaks to experience the best of both counties.

“Previous seasons have demonstrated that, when key venues collaborate, art and culture can be used as an effective catalyst to bring in more tourists and heighten both areas’ profiles as vibrant visitor destinations for the benefit of both the local and regional economy.”

Comfortable hotels abound in both city and country in the Peak District and Derbyshire. The Cathedral Quarter Hotel offers a four star boutique stay in Derby, while The Devonshire Arms Beeley or the Devonshire Arms Pilsley  are both situated in peaceful and picturesque villages on the Chatsworth estate. Experience the true spirit of The Grand Tour at The Cavendish Hotel in Baslow, also on the Chatsworth estate, which has a unique collection of more than 300 artworks from the Devonshire collection, from fine art to 20th century graffiti. All its luxuriously-appointed bedrooms have magnificent views over Chatsworth’s parkland.

Dining out is a gourmet delight. Highlights in Derby include Terroir Bistro, which won the accolade of Restaurant of the Year in the Derby Food and Drink Awards 2017, and The Old Bell Hotel, Derby’s oldest hotel, bar and restaurant. Further north is award-winning Fischer’s Baslow Hall at Baslow, on the fringe of the Chatsworth estate, famous for its Michelin-starred fine dining experience. Luxurious and stylish with impeccable service, the restaurant is renowned for head chef Rupert Rowley’s inventive modern British cuisine.

Wider tourist attractions in the Peak District and Derbyshire include historic houses such as Haddon Hall, Hardwick Hall near Chesterfield and Kedleston Hall near Derby, fascinating underground caverns in Castleton and Buxton and family attractions such as exhilarating cable car rides and much more at The Heights of Abraham in Matlock Bath and the pioneering industrial history of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. Garden lovers should make a date in their diaries for the second annual RHS Chatsworth Flower Show (June 6 – 10).

More information is available on The Grand Tour website – www.thegrandtour.uk.com