Leisure

Future of popular Peak District hotel and restaurant secured following acquisition

The Premier Inn Chesterfield West hotel and Highwayman Beefeater Restaurant, at the edge of the Peak District National Park just six miles from Chesterfield Town Centre has been acquired by the Devonshire Group, securing the site’s future.

The Group has purchased the site for an undisclosed sum and will focus on protecting and growing the impact of the hotel and restaurant within the local economy and Peak District visitor landscape.

Located in Eastmoor just off the A619, the hotel offers 25 rooms alongside a Beefeater restaurant and employs 28 staff. The Devonshire Group will enter a period of planning to bring forward a new vision for the site that will be announced in due course. In the meantime, the restaurant and hotel will retain the name The Highwayman. All existing staff at the site will continue in their employment at the hotel and restaurant under the Devonshire Group’s ownership.

The Devonshire Group has a strong track record of investing in local business and hospitality.  It oversees a diverse collection of hotels, restaurants and holiday cottages across the Chatsworth Estate, including The Cavendish Hotel and The Devonshire Arms at Beeley and Pilsley. The group has also owned the nearby Peak Village shopping centre and nature reserve since 2021, consistently developing the site’s offer since its acquisition, as well as its reputation as a destination for local communities and visitors alike.

Stephen Vickers, CEO of the Devonshire Group, said: “We are always looking for opportunities to create and grow businesses that have a positive impact on local people, local employment and the wider visitor economy in Derbyshire.

“The Highwayman site represents just that, providing us with the chance to enhance an already successful site to encourage even more visitors to this special corner of the UK, connecting them with nature, heritage and the wealth of local activities and produce on offer here.

“We are looking forward to welcoming our new colleagues to the Devonshire Group and sharing our plans for the site in due course.”

Richard Palmer, Managing Director of Devonshire Hotels and Restaurants Group said: “We’re very excited about the opportunity to add the Highwayman to our portfolio of restaurants and accommodation in Derbyshire, and to build on the warm welcome and strong reputation created over years by the staff at this site.”

Find out more about visiting Chesterfield and the Peak District at www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting

Discover more about the Highwayman at https://highwaymanhotel.co.uk/

The Devonshire Group supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Safe space launched for people enjoying a night out in Chesterfield

A ‘safe space’ in the heart of Chesterfield is helping to keep partygoers and vulnerable people safe – whilst also taking pressure off the emergency services.

Chesterfield’s Safe Space is a multi-agency initiative that aims to provide support to anyone who may feel vulnerable or in need of support.

Located at Old Parish Café, 3 St Mary’s Gate, Chesterfield (near the Pig and Pump), the Safe Space is open every Friday and Saturday night from 8pm to 3am. It is run by staff from Chesterfield Borough Council’s community safety team, paramedics and street pastors, who works alongside Chesterfield Pubwatch and Derbyshire Constabulary to help keep everyone safe.

Night time revellers can visit the Safe Space to charge their phones or get help to get a taxi home. Free hot drinks or water are also available, along with flip-flops for anyone who is ready to kick-off their killer heels.

The team are also on hand to provide first aid, help people who have become separated from their friends, or just offer a listening ear to anyone who may need it.

Support is also available to anyone who may be vulnerable, and the team can provide information and leaflets about a range of issues including alcohol and drugs, domestic violence, sexual assault, homelessness and mental health.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We’re lucky to have so many bars, pubs and restaurants in Chesterfield that residents and visitors can enjoy, and we want to make sure everyone feels supported to be able to enjoy a safe night out.

“The Safe Space has already made a huge impact on the community – whether that be helping partygoers who need to ditch the killer heels and charge their phone, or being a listening ear for someone who may be lonely of vulnerable – there’s support for everyone.

“With the Christmas season fast approaching, we know more and more people will be heading out to enjoy the festivities too, and we hope that it will be reassuring for many that the safe space is on hand to help if they need it.”

Inspector Kara Simpson said: “Chesterfield is a fantastic night out, but we know sometimes things don’t always go to plan.

“If you find that has happened then know that there is somewhere to go and there is someone to give you a cuppa, order a taxi, or simply listen to you.

“Christmas is a time when we know people head out on the town – but we also know it can be a tough period for many – so if it’s just a friend who has had one too many or a stranger who looks like they are having a difficult time, there is a place to go to find some help.”

Planning an evening out in Chesterfield? Check out our guide here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/places-to-visit/night-out/

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Chesterfield included on new rail route from Cardiff to Edinburgh

Chesterfield will benefit from being part of a new rail route, which will link passengers directly between Cardiff and Edinburgh.

Long distance train operator CrossCountry has announced a new weekday service linking Wales, England and Scotland by one train for the first time. The services are being introduced as part of the rail industry’s twice-yearly timetable change, rolled out from Sunday 15 December.

The 455-mile journey will connect 22 stations between the capitals of Wales and Scotland directly by rail in what is thought to be the first service of its kind. Passengers are already able to book journeys on the new route.

It’s not just long-distance travellers who will benefit from the new service: many new direct journey options will be available for passengers to book across the entire route, meaning more choice for CrossCountry customers.

Scott Maynard, CrossCountry’s Interim Managing Director, said: “We’re delighted to introduce this new service joining Cardiff and Edinburgh directly by rail for the very first time – meaning even more connections for customers across the length and breadth of the country.

“Thanks to colleagues across CrossCountry and the wider rail industry for their support in delivering these new services linking two of Great Britain’s capital cities, as well as many other key towns and cities in between.

The new service will be formed by long-distance Voyager services departing from Cardiff and Penzance in the morning, joining together at Birmingham New Street before proceeding north to Edinburgh.

On the southbound journey, the long-distance Voyager train will depart from Edinburgh and proceed to Gloucester where the service splits into two. Half of the train will travel onwards to Cardiff whilst the other half will terminate at Plymouth.

There will be one service in each direction between Cardiff and Edinburgh on weekdays only. To check journeys and buy tickets, visit the CrossCountry website at www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/buy-tickets.

Excellently located in the centre of the UK with superb rail connections to several major cities, Chesterfield offers an excellent quality of life for its residents. Find out more at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/about-chesterfield/

 

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Put a twist on tradition this Christmas in Chesterfield

Residents and visitors are invited to mix it up this Christmas and try something unique to celebrate the festive season.

Many exciting events are happening across Chesterfield including spending time together at the family-friendly Christmas Lights Switch On, getting creative at crafting workshops, cruising the canal with Santa, laughing out loud at the Cinderella Pantomime, and marvelling at the stunning displays at the Festival of Christmas Trees, hosted in the Crooked Spire, the Church of St Mary and All Saints.

christmas lights new square

A new campaign from Chesterfield Borough Council and Destination Chesterfield aims to celebrate all the unique events, independent traders and delicious food and drink available across the town this Christmas.

Chesterfield is home to a fantastic selection of independent businesses, market traders and retailers. Whether you’re picking out unique gifts for loved ones, choosing a cheeky secret Santa present or heading out to enjoy festive food and drink together, there are lots of lovely local suppliers who will make your Christmas unique.

You might even spot Santa browsing Chesterfield Market ahead of the big day!

Choosing to support local businesses can make a real difference – if everyone in Chesterfield spent just £10 with one of our independent businesses, it would generate more than one million pounds of sales.

Man and woman looking at items at items at Chesterfield Market

The Christmas in Chesterfield website features a guide to all the events happening across the town, activities to take part in together, gift guides with unique offerings from local businesses, the ultimate list of food and drink venues to socialise at and a new bucket list of twelve things you should try this Christmas.

Throughout the campaign, there will also be competitions and giveaways with some fantastic prizes on offer.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “There is so much happening in Chesterfield this Christmas including traditional family favourites like our Pantomime or Christmas Lights Switch On event but there are also new exciting activities like the Winter Windows Trail which will help you mix up your traditions and create precious memories together.”

Ann Fomukong-Boden, Destination Chesterfield Board Member, added: “Chesterfield offers endless opportunities to discover something new this festive season. By stepping outside the usual traditions, you’ll not only create unforgettable moments but also support the hardworking local businesses that make our community special. From cosy cafes to unique boutiques, Chesterfield’s independents are ready to help you prepare for the big day.”

Start making your festive plans by visiting: www.chesterfield.co.uk/christmas

Posted in About Chesterfield, Christmas, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Major boost for a joined up visitor economy strategy for the East Midlands

A new regional approach to delivering a thriving visitor economy across the East Midlands is set to be developed.

In a meeting on Monday 4 November, the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) Board agreed funding of up to £60k to support the joint work of the region’s two Local Visitor Economy Partnerships (LVEPs) to develop a Destination Management Plan for the EMCCA region to add value, strengthen collaboration and avoid duplication.

The approach agreed by the Board focuses on three core elements to boost the visitor economy:

  • By promoting our place and products to deliver enhanced profile, greater reach and more visitors.
  • By developing the offer, working with our stakeholders to improve and increase, for example, hotel accommodation and live venue, conference facilities etc
  • By realising the value of the sector, showing the wider benefits to our region over and above the contribution to our economy.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, has begun a series of engagement events in order to hear directly from key organisations across the sector.

This has included a Derby and Derbyshire-focused meeting hosted by the Devonshire Group at Chatsworth House, an Arts Council-led event in Chesterfield, bringing together representatives from across the culture and heritage sectors, and a Nottingham and Nottinghamshire-focused event hosted at the National Civil War Centre in Newark.

These events provided valuable feedback regarding the challenges and opportunities for organisations in the sector.

There are now two Local Visitor Economy Partnerships (LVEPs) that cover the whole of the EMCCA area, Visit Nottinghamshire and Visit Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby and they are both formally accredited by Visit England. They will work with EMCCA to develop a strategic vision for the region, highlighting all the fundamentals of making our destinations thrive, while supporting local businesses.

The tourism/visitor economy makes a significant contribution to our economy, worth around £5.25bn in 2023 and supporting around 52,000 jobs. The aim is to take up numerous opportunities to grow the value of the sector, both in terms of direct economic impact and wider benefits that support EMCCA’s inclusive growth objectives.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “The Visitor Economy is one of my key priorities because it matters everywhere: to our cities, our market towns, and our rural areas alike.

“This is a vital agenda for the whole region and I’m delighted to lead and strengthen collaboration with our regional partners. Our joined up Destination Management Plan means that we can have more impact, and improve our offer for visitors, residents and grow our economy.”

Jo Dilley of the of the Visit Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby LVEP said: “We’re delighted that East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) recognises the importance of the visitor economy, which is worth £2.89bn to the Peak District and Derbyshire, and are pleased to be working in partnership with Visit Nottinghamshire on joined-up Destination Management Plans that will benefit the entire East Midlands region.

“The visitor economy is a sector that can drive positive change across local communities, providing jobs, boosting investment, and supporting the development of vital infrastructure. By working collaboratively and creating a strong partnership across the Combined Authority, we can offer efficiency of scale and growth for businesses, amplifying key assets across national and international markets. Together, we can deliver a sustainable strategy that provides a strong foundation for the sector’s future growth.”

VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes commented: “It is great to see these two Local Visitor Economy Partnerships (LVEPs) working in collaboration to support sustainable growth in tourism and investment in the East Midlands. The local visitor economy will benefit from this joint and stronger regional alignment.

“VisitEngland will continue to work with Visit Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby and Visit Nottinghamshire LVEPs as they develop their collective Destination Management Plan with our expert guidance and resources in areas from product distribution, accessibility and sustainability to business support, funding bids and marketing.”

At the meeting, Board members emphasised the value of the visitor economy and the opportunity we have to grow this. There are great assets already across our area, and by joining up our efforts we can promote an offer that persuades people to visit for longer, spending more in our region and going home having had a great experience and promoting our region.

The Board also noted the vital contribution that will be made by areas such as transport and skills, for which EMCCA is becoming responsible, and the opportunity we now have to make sure our spending and delivery in those areas helps our visitor economy thrive, through promoting the value of jobs and careers in the sector, working with providers to develop a skilled workforce, and helping improve transport connectivity for visitors and those working in the sector.

Visit Chesterfield for a great day out or to stay. Find out more at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/

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Chesterfield Champions to be showcased in the 2025 Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards

The shortlist for the 2025 Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards has been revealed, with several Chesterfield Champion organisations featured amongst the finalists.

The annual awards shine a spotlight on excellence and outstanding achievement across the area’s £2.89bn tourism sector.

Champions included in the shortlist include Matlock Farm Park, Peak Edge Hotel and Chatsworth.

Following a record number of entries, finalists have been unveiled in 15 awards categories celebrating the best of the local visitor economy, ranging from hotels, B&Bs and campsites to pubs, visitor attractions and unique experiences.

In addition, public voting has officially opened for the new ‘Festival or Event of the Year’ category which champions quality events and festivals that have taken place in the Peak District and Derbyshire – from country shows and music festivals to unique exhibitions and arts trails.

There are 9 finalists competing to take the title of Festival or Event of the Year 2025, with voting open until 1 December 2024. The finalist with the largest number of votes will secure the crown. Check out the events and festivals in the running and to cast your vote.

Shortlisted businesses in the remaining categories will now go forward to the final round of independent judging, including a series of mystery shopping visits, before the winners are selected ahead of a joint Derbyshire-Nottinghamshire awards ceremony held at the East Midlands Conference Centre in Nottingham on Thursday 20 March 2025.

The region’s two Local Visitor Economy Partnerships (LVEPs) – Visit Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby and Visit Nottinghamshire – are joining forces to deliver the awards ceremony in partnership for the first time, with the support of the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).

The ceremony will be hosted by Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, and is set to be a stunning showcase of the value and quality of the region’s combined £5.25bn visitor economy, celebrating the exceptional talent and innovation across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

Following the awards ceremony, Gold winners in each of the core categories will progress onto the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence in June 2025, which represent the highest accolades in English tourism.

The 2025 Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards are sponsored by EV charging specialists VoltShare and Derbyshire-based C W Sellors Fine Jewellery & Luxury Watches, who will be designing and handcrafting bespoke awards for all Gold winners. The joint awards ceremony is sponsored by Nottingham Venues.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, says: “The Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards are a celebration of our vibrant tourism industry and its enormous contribution to the local and regional economy. As we look forward to celebrating with finalists and partners at our landmark joint Derbyshire-Nottinghamshire awards ceremony in 2025, it’s an extra-special time to not only celebrate individual businesses, but to also recognise the importance of the visitor economy in delivering growth, supporting jobs and driving economic prosperity across the East Midlands.

“Our 2025 finalists are a fantastic mix of diverse, innovative and passionate businesses from across the county who deliver consistently high quality, memorable experiences for some of the 42 million visitors who come to the area each year. It will be a privilege to bring all the finalists together next March to mark their achievements and we wish every shortlisted finalist the very best of luck.”

Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby Tourism Awards: The 2025 Shortlist

Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award
Matlock Farm Park
Peak District National Park Authority
Peak Edge Hotel, Chesterfield

B&B and Guest House of the Year
The Bull’s Head, Foolow
The Yorkshire Bridge Inn, Bamford
Sheldon House, Monyash

Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year
Boutique Glamping at Scaldersitch Farm
Darwin Forest Lodges
3Trees Glamping Ltd

Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award
Host & Stay
Morley Hayes
The Welcome Team

Experience of the Year
Thornbridge House Tour
Great British Car Journey, Drive Dad’s Car
Pub Tours Ltd

Festival or Event of the Year – public vote now open
Eat in the Park
Bakewell Country Festival
Chatsworth Country Fair
Bustler Market: On The Road
The Peak District Highland Games
Haddon Hall Mercatum Christmas Artisan Market
Buxton International Festival
Matlock Bath Illuminations
Bearded Theory Festival

Hotel of the Year
Fischer’s Baslow Hall
The Cavendish Hotel, Baslow
Peak Edge Hotel, Chesterfield

New Tourism Business of the Year
The Cupola Café – bar – pizza – grill
The Ashford Arms, Ashford-in-the-Water
3Trees Glamping Ltd

Pub of the Year
The Blind Bull, Little Hucklow
The George, Hathersage
The Yorkshire Bridge Inn, Bamford

Self Catering Accommodation of the Year
Foxlow Grange by Muse Escapes
Bolehill Farm Cottages, Bakewell
Atlow Mill, Ashbourne

Taste of the Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby Award
The Maynard, Grindleford
Fischer’s Baslow Hall, Baslow
The Cavendish Hotel, Baslow

Team of the Year
Belper North Mill Volunteers Association
The Yorkshire Bridge Inn Front of House Team
Bike and Boot Hotel, Hope

Tourism Young Achiever Award
Oliver Curl – The Barrel Inn
Ben Barber – The Maynard
Dylan Hunt – Atlantik Inns

Unsung Hero Award
Charlotte Uwins – The Scotsman’s Pack
Ian Fairbrother – Thornbridge Estate
Jimmy Crookes – The Yorkshire Bridge Inn

Visitor Attraction of the Year
Thornbridge Estate
Bluebell Dairy Farm Park
The Children’s Country House at Sudbury

For more details on the Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards please visit: www.visitpeakdistrict.com/industry/events/category/tourism-awards.

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The Edinburgh Woollen Mill to open new Chesterfield store

The Edinburgh Woollen Mill, a renowned British brand with a rich heritage, has announced the opening of its newest store in the heart of Chesterfield.

This expansion brings an array of employment opportunities and an exciting retail destination to Chesterfield town centre and the wider the local community.

Founded in 1946 as the Langholm Dyeing and Finishing Company Limited in the thriving mill town of the Scottish Borders, Edinburgh Woollen Mill has evolved into a household name with a portfolio of 200 stores nationwide.

The brand’s presence extends across High Street, Tourist, and Garden Centre locations, captivating shoppers with its diverse and high-quality offerings.

The new store, located in Chesterfield, will open its doors on Thursday 31st October 2024, and the retailer will celebrate its arrival with some fantastic giveaways.

To celebrate this milestone, staff will greet the first 20 customers who make a purchase in-store with an Edinburgh Woollen Mill goody bag, while prizes will also be hidden in the store.

Lesley Olive, Area Manager for the store, said: “We are excited to welcome visitors to our new store to explore our wonderful collections. It’s going to be a great addition to Chesterfield and the local retail mix.”

Visitors to the new store can browse some of The Edinburgh Woollen Mill’s most sought-after men’s and ladieswear collections, including Country Rose, Isle, Honor Millburn, James Pringle and PG Field as well as a full range of gifts and accessories.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager, Vicar Lane said, “We’re thrilled that Edinburgh Woollen Mill has joined the line-up of stores here at Vicar Lane and we look forward to welcoming others in the near future.”

Further details on The Edinburgh Woollen Mill product range and store network can be found by visiting www.ewm.co.uk and www.facebook.com/edinburghwoollenmill.

Find out more about shopping and leisure here in Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

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Hundreds of kids take part in superhero walk for hospice

More than 1,300 children and adults got their capes on for Ashgate Hospice’s Superhero Night Walk in Chesterfield.

The walk, sponsored by Motan Colortronic, saw fundraisers descend on Queen’s Park for the event on Saturday 19 October.

Participants took on one and three-mile routes from 5.30pm to help raise funds towards the hospice’s care for families across North Derbyshire.

Sponsorship for the event is still rolling in, but the charity hopes to raise more than £50,000 to help fund its crucial palliative and end of life care.

Children taking part donned their favourite superhero costumes, with many families walking in memory of loved ones who had received care at the hospice.

Every child who registered for the event received a free superhero cape and a glow in the dark mask to wear as they walked the route with family members.

There was a host of entertainment on display including stilt walkers, big bubble displays, live singers and dancers, and more.

Dozens of volunteers gave up their time to support the hospice’s fundraising team to ensure everyone taking part was safe and had fun throughout.

Charlotte Butterworth, Head of Fundraising at Ashgate Hospice said: “After holding our first ever Superhero Night Walk last year we were thrilled to bring it back for a second year.

“Thank you to all of the little superheroes that raised sponsorship money and took part, they all looked absolutely fantastic in their costumes as they made their way around Queen’s Park.

“Everyone at the hospice is so incredibly grateful to all our volunteers, main sponsors Motan Colortronic and many other local businesses for their generosity and support – without them we couldn’t put on events like this.

“The support helps us raise the £11 million we need each year in order to fund our care for families across North Derbyshire.”

Ashgate Hospice’s Superhero Night Walk will be returning again next year with details set to be announced in the near future.

Ashgate Hospice supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Kathryn and Logan superhero walk

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Regional tourism awards to be celebrated next spring

Shining stars of the East Midlands’ vibrant tourism industry will be celebrated at a prestigious joint awards ceremony hosted by Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, next spring.

It has been announced that the winners of the Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards and the Nottinghamshire Tourism Awards will be revealed at a glittering joint awards ceremony held at the East Midlands Conference Centre in Nottingham on 20 March 2025.

The region’s two Local Visitor Economy Partnerships (LVEPs) – Visit Nottinghamshire and Visit Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby – are joining forces to deliver the awards ceremony in partnership for the first time, to celebrate excellence and outstanding achievement across the tourism sector and give local businesses an opportunity to share their success stories, generate valuable publicity and reach new customers.

From B&Bs and visitor attractions to hotels, campsites and unique experiences, the diverse award categories reflect the breadth of the region’s tourism landscape.

The awards are held in partnership with VisitEngland and Gold winners will have the opportunity to progress onto the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2025, which represent the highest accolades in English tourism.

The awards ceremony is supported by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) to celebrate the success of local tourism businesses whilst highlighting the sector’s vital £5.25BN of economic impact contribution to the East Midlands’ economy.

The evening will bring together 500 guests from across the region’s tourism, leisure, culture and hospitality industries, including shortlisted businesses from 30 overall awards categories plus local MPs, partners and stakeholders.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “One of my priorities is to boost tourism and celebrate our region’s heritage, vibrancy, culture and natural beauty through my Visit East Midlands campaign. This joint awards ceremony is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate excellence in all aspects of tourism across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, and I’m delighted to host and support these awards.”

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “We’re excited to be joining forces with our LVEP partners in Nottinghamshire to deliver a glittering joint awards ceremony celebrating the very best of tourism in the East Midlands next spring.

“The Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards are a celebration of the passionate, hardworking and innovative businesses who continually raise the bar of our world-class tourism offer. Not only do these awards showcase the sheer quality of our tourism products, but they also highlight the value of our visitor economy and the important role the industry plays in driving growth, creating jobs, and making the region such a great place to live, work and visit.

“The visitor economy is a vital yet often underappreciated asset of the East Midlands, and this event will help us harness the industry’s full potential so we can truly start to punch above our weight”.

VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said: “It’s great to see these two amazing Awards come together, ramping up the impact and value of entering for tourism businesses in Nottinghamshire, Peak District and Derbyshire.  These areas have truly outstanding national winners, and we look forward to welcoming the regional award winners to the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence in 2025. I wish all of those who enter the very best of luck.”

The 2025 Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards are sponsored by EV charging specialists VoltShare and Derbyshire-based C W Sellors Fine Jewellery & Luxury Watches, who will be designing and handcrafting luxury bespoke awards for all Gold winners. The Awards Ceremony is sponsored by Nottingham Venues.

For more details on the Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards please visit: www.visitpeakdistrict.com/industry/events/category/tourism-awards.

Derbyshire and Derby tourism awards

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Work set to begin on regeneration of Staveley market

A multi-million pound regeneration project is set to begin in Staveley in November.

Chesterfield Borough Council’s Staveley 21 project, funded through the Staveley Town Deal, includes the construction of a new landmark building in the town centre, improvements to the market square and rejuvenation of the high street. Together the works will help support local businesses by creating a more attractive, welcoming and safe town centre for everyone to enjoy.

A drop-in session will be held in Staveley market square from 1pm to 3pm on Wednesday 23 October where local residents and business owners can come and find out more about the plans and the programme for construction.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “This project will transform Staveley town centre and encourage more people to visit to support both existing retailers and market traders. The project will help expand the town centre offer, creating new opportunities for events and social spaces we want to boost visitor numbers and provide the space for local businesses to thrive.

“We’ve been speaking with local businesses and hosting drop-in sessions throughout the design process to ensure the plans are right and at this next drop-in session you’ll be able to speak with the contractor who is delivering the project and find out more about the programme.

“We’re trying to minimise the disruption caused in the town centre to ensure that businesses can continue to trade and will be ready to benefit from the improvements once work is complete.

“This is a really exciting project for Staveley and will help ensure that the town can thrive for generations to come.”

Stepnell who have been working to complete the town centre designs have been appointed to lead construction on the Staveley 21 project.

Tom Sewell, regional director at Stepnell, said: “Staveley 21 will be incredibly transformative for the town centre and as a complete construction partner with vast experience enhancing public spaces, we recognise the importance of close collaboration with local authorities, partners and future users to exceed on these expectations.

“Early engagement with the local community is vital to ensuring the landmark building, market and high street can maximise their impact and we have made great progress since our appointment. Social value can be just as transformative to the community as the build itself, and the Staveley Town Deal will encompass this approach as we look to commence works.”

Works in November will begin with the removal of the disused toilet block on the market square.

In its place a new landmark building will be built that will form a new focal point for the town centre. Once completed the building will house Derbyshire County Council’s Staveley Library on the ground floor and the upstairs will provide space for new businesses.

Staveley 21 also includes the transformation of the marketplace to create an enlarged public space to support existing uses such as Staveley Town Council’s regular markets but also as a setting that can be used to host a wide range of new events to encourage more people to visit the town centre.

Proposals include new tiered outdoor seating to support outdoor theatre and performances, and natural play equipment to help make the marketplace more attractive to families.

Designs for the play equipment have been developed in collaboration with pupils from Staveley Junior School, who visited the site with Stepnell and took part in a workshop to discuss what kind of equipment they would like to see installed.

New paving, lighting, street furniture and planting will help create an enhanced atmosphere and visitor experience at any time of day or night whilst new signage will help connect the town centre with Staveley’s other visitor attractions including the Chesterfield Canal and Staveley Hall.

There is also a shop front improvement grant scheme for businesses based in the town centre. Up to 80% of the costs of shop front improvements like new signage, windows, canopies, and much more can be funded through the scheme.

Through the Animate Chesterfield public art project, Coralie Turpin has been appointed to work with the community and develop a new piece of artwork that will celebrate Staveley’s heritage and develop designs that can be incorporated into the new paving.

Coralie said: “I am looking forward to working with the people of Staveley, we’re planning some fun activities reflecting the local canal heritage and nature to generate ideas for the design. I’m excited to create a great piece of public art for the new marketplace that is friendly and interactive.”

Around £5 million of funding has been provided through the Staveley Town Deal, a £25.2 million programme that aims to ensure Staveley is a place to start, stay and grow.

Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and vice chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “I’m pleased that work will be starting soon on Staveley 21, this is a key project in the Town Deal programme and will make a real impact on the ability of the town centre to attract additional visitors to support local businesses and explore the Staveley area. I look forward to seeing the plans come to life over the next year.”

To find out more about regeneration in Staveley and the developments currently taking place across Chesterfield, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/

 

Staveley pavillion building artist impression

 

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Immersive light show returns to Bolsover Castle

Bright Winter Nights will return to Bolsover Castle this November, illuminating the town’s iconic landmark and featuring a newly commissioned interactive digital art installation.

The immersive light experience was launched in 2023 by Junction Arts to mark the 30th anniversary of the lantern parade. This year, the event promises to be bigger and better, with three new light installations, co-created with the local community and specialist artists.

Bolsover Castle will once again come to life with live projections, images and sounds, celebrating local people, technology and art.

The centrepiece for this year’s Bright Winter Nights has been commissioned by the Bolsover Place Board and will feature a dazzling, interactive installation. It will be created in collaboration with Derbyshire storytellers Babbling Vagabonds, video projection artists Illuminos and young people in Bolsover.

The numerous light displays will feature a diverse range of voices, including an installation co-created by the LGBTQIA+ community via a national partnership with Dreamy Place, who stage festivals in Brighton and Crawley.

Participants from the PlatformThirty1 project ‘Know Your Neighbourhood’ will also see their work featured in Bright Winter Nights. The project is a creative community project designed to increase opportunities for connection for individuals and reduce loneliness. Through creative workshops in communal spaces, participants have explored a wide range of art forms, including painting, crochet, collage and embroidery.

Kylie North, Project Manager at Junction Arts said: “Bright Winter Nights is back, with more lights, more projections, more community involvement and more chances to engage with the artworks.

We’re excited to be working in partnership with so many great organisations to bring together one amazing event that will mark the start of the festive season. Every piece of content at Bright Winter Nights has been co-created by the community, working with professional artists – representing voices from all parts of Bolsover.”

“The concept of the event is the same as last year, but all the content is new for 2024, with more interactive elements for visitors to explore, immerse themselves in and enjoy. There’ll also be plenty of surprises, we can’t wait for people to come along and experience it.”

Nikki Waters, Bolsover Place Board member and General Manager of Hardwick Estate & Stainsby Mill said: “Bright Winter Nights is such a special and important event in the heart of Bolsover. It’s incredibly exciting that it is back for 2024, bigger and better than before. It will showcase the very best of what the district has to offer and will both attract visitors to the town and provide an important moment for local residents to come together and celebrate the place where they live and work. Bolsover is a thriving and dynamic place with so much to offer, and Bright Winter Nights celebrates and showcases the town and wider district at its very best.”

Joel Wileman from Bolsover Castle said: “At English Heritage, we’re striving to make new connections with the community through heritage and tell everyone’s story. Bright Winter Nights and Junction Arts’ wider work fits perfectly with this vision.

“Last year’s event was a sell-out, so we’re delighted to extend the ticket allocation to 1,000 for 2024, which promises to be a spectacular event. The Castle was built by William Cavendish for impressive celebrations and Bright Winter Nights will continue this trend in style.”

Junction Arts is organising the event in partnership with English Heritage and arts organisations Platform Thirty1, and videoclub. Bright Winter Nights is funded by Arts Council England and Bolsover District Council.

Tickets are the same price as last year, £2 per child and £3 for adults and are available to buy now: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/bright-winter-nights-29-nov-24/

Bright Winter Nights, The Bolsover Christmas Market and the Bolsover Lantern Parade are all part of the Bolsover Winter Festival – a weekend of festive fun that will take place on the 29th and 30th of November.

Looking for things to do with the family in Chesterfield? Check out our events page to find out more: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/events/

Junction Arts supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Bolsover Castle lit up in immersive colours

 

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