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Chesterfield’s oldest pub to reopen this Easter weekend

The couple who have taken ownership of Chesterfield’s oldest pub say they’re ‘beyond delighted’ to be opening its doors once again this weekend.

Ye Royal Oak, based in The Shambles, right in the heart of the town, has undergone a major transformation – with bright décor, a refurbished bar, and even a suit of armour on display.

The pub, which is estimated to date back to the 17th century, has been closed for several years. But thanks to the vision of former teachers Meg Hartman and Patrick Hopkins, customers will be welcomed back to Ye Royal Oak from this Friday (18th April).

Visitors will be treated to more than a dozen keg and cask ales, Devon cider, Highland whisky and more. For those feeling peckish, the pub will be serving Pieminister pies too.

Speaking on the restoration, Meg said: “We wanted to restore the building back to its former glory. After sitting closed for four years, it just felt a bit sad. It’s not just any pub—it’s the town’s pub, so we really wanted to do right by it.”

“We stripped everything back. Underneath all the layers of previous decoration was this beautiful wood. We embraced the history, kept it simple, and let the old beams and Tudor features do the talking.”

“It’s been our lifelong dream to buy a suit of armour— so we finally made that happen.”

Ornamental suit of armour inside historic pub

Patrick added that the process of renovating the venue was an eye-opening experience: “We started by peeling back layers of wallpaper, layers of history. Some of it was horrendous, some of it was quite cool.”

“For the first three months, we were teaching during the day, then coming here every night. We even used half-term to work on it. It’s been full-on, but we feel it’s been worth it.

“This has been about giving something back. This pub has been part of the town’s history for so long, and now it’s our job to look after it.”

The work done by Meg and Patrick has been commended by Shaun Stevenson, creator of the Chesterfield Great Historic Pub Tour events. Shaun said: “What Meg and Patrick have achieved here is remarkable.

“This little historic pub has had a proper restoration. It’s like it’s had a heart adjustment—a full set of new valves. It’s beating again, right at the centre of the town. It’s something to be commended and supported.”

“You can see the revival happening across Chesterfield. Places like The Bank, The Spread Eagle, and this pub are reopening, there’s a real transformation underway.

“This isn’t just another pub—it’s part of Chesterfield’s living history. Anyone who visits will see that, and I’m certain they’ll come back.”

Find out more about Ye Royal Oak on Facebook, and discover more about the town’s Great Historic and Haunted Pub Tours here.

Discover 50 great places to eat and drink in Chesterfield here.

Exterior of historic pub in the centre of Chesterfield with tudor features

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Easter, Featured, Half term, Home, Leisure, Stay, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

North Derbyshire gastro pub reopens after undergoing transformation

An award-winning gastro pub near Chesterfield has reopened its doors to customers after undergoing a major refurbishment.

The Tickled Trout has been transformed with a vibrant new dining space featuring the works of a local artist.

The reopening was announced just a couple of weeks after the restaurant’s Owner and Head Chef appeared on ITV 1 show, James Martin’s Saturday Morning.

Chris Mapp, who also currently holds the title of ‘best pub restaurant chef’ in the UK, said: “After 11 years of successfully owning the Tickled Trout it was time to revitalise and launch TT 2.0!  The refurb is stunning, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone.  The restaurant has been transformed with beautiful design finishes, the lounge balances comfort and style and showcases a wonderful local artist who lives just round the corner.

It’s been an incredible week, staring alongside James Martin was brilliant, the dish i cooked for him received much praise – I can reassure those visiting the tickled Trout the delicious spiced scotch egg will be on the menu!

We reopen with a wonderful team who are full of energy and enthusiasm, and our passion for producing high quality dishes using local seasonal ingredients is as strong as ever.”

The Tickled Trout pub is proudly independent, owned by Chris Mapp and is nestled in the idyllic Derbyshire village of Barlow, easily accessible from Sheffield and Chesterfield.

Priding itself on serving great pub food alongside innovative specials using the highest quality artisan ingredients available, the multiple award-winning gastro pub serves both fine wine and great local ales and combines a relaxing atmosphere with outstanding customer service.

The team welcomes families and has a private dining room for special occasions and corporate meetings. Find out more on The Tickled Trout’s website or on the venue’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

Discover 50 fantastic businesses making up Chesterfield’s vibrant food and drink scene at here.

The Tickled Trout supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 230 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Guests in TV studio kitchen smiling to camera

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‘We must continue celebrating and supporting our cultural assets’

Destination Chestefield Board Member, Ann Fomukong-Boden shares her views on the importance of art for Chesterfield’s communities and regeneration

Do you remember the sculpture being built at Horns Bridge Roundabout? ‘Growth’ has now stood proudly for over a decade, and has become another iconic landmark for our town, complemented by our historic Crooked Spire, which sits beside it on the skyline.

But at the time it was revealed, ‘Growth’ ignited debate. Everyone had an opinion about it. Love it or not, it certainly highlights how the arts shape our community and identity.

To me, the arts make our town unique and vibrant, drawing residents and visitors. I wanted, this month, to highlight some of the initiatives that keep Chesterfield’s creative spirit alive.

Have you experienced the Chesterfield Children’s Festival produced by local charity Junction Arts? Each year, it fills Queen’s Park with music, theatre, dance, and storytelling, immersing families in creativity and creating memories for parents and their little ones.

Meanwhile, Chesterfield Studios’ Rose Theatre undergoes an exciting extension into the adjacent historic Rose Hill Church, providing more space for its 400 students. Could the next West End star come from Chesterfield? Of course they can!

Art connects us to our history and instils pride. While Chesterfield Museum undergoes refurbishment, its ‘Museum on the Move’ initiative brings exhibits directly to communities. The reopening of the museum and theatre in 2026 will offer even more cultural inspiration.

Looking ahead, Derbyshire Makes will celebrate creativity in craft, design, and manufacturing over three years. The first event in March showcased innovative, local makers and traditional crafts.

Beyond its economic and historical value, art can bring people together. It unites communities, encouraging us to learn from one another.

My SocialFuse Festival continues to champion Chesterfield’s incredible purpose-driven and community organisations. Furthermore, West Studios, in partnership with Chesterfield College, has nurtured artistic talent for a decade, cultivating a collaborative hub for designers, artists, and entrepreneurs.

Finally, art enhances our wellbeing. It gets us outside, encourages us to slow down, and allows us to appreciate our surroundings.

The ongoing public art project, Animate Chesterfield creates lasting cultural landmarks. Local artist Lucie Maycock was appointed last year to deliver workshops in the town centre.

Lucie collected stories and memories from members of the community and her new artworks will share and celebrate these stories. By the time you read this, some of the works will have been revealed to the public, and I can’t wait to see how they will add further vibrancy to the town.

Art is everywhere in Chesterfield and its impact is undeniable. But to keep our creative heartbeat strong, we must continue celebrating and supporting our cultural assets.

Immerse yourself in our local culture and keep up with what’s happening across Chesterfield: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/

Ann Fomukong-Boden, Destination Chesterfield Board Member and Director, Kakou.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Leisure, Stay, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

Chesterfield gastropub owner to appear on ITV show, James Martin’s Saturday Morning

A Chesterfield gastropub owner is set to showcase a taste of Derbyshire to the nation this weekend, as he appears alongside James Martin on his Saturday morning cookery show.

Chris Mapp, owner of The Tickled Trout in Barlow, will be cooking for fellow guests on the ITV show in this weekend’s episode (Saturday 5th April).

The Tickled Trout prides itself on creating delicious dishes using locally sourced produce. In 2024, the venue received an AA rosette and was awarded Best Pub Restaurant Chef in the UK, at the Craft Guild Of Chefs Awards ceremony.

Speaking on his TV appearance, Chris said: “I know James and have done demos with him presenting, but to be on the show was surreal, it was so exciting. I must say that the whole crew and James himself were just fantastic and friendly, so they helped calm the nerves a lot. I also travelled down with Alysia, the Yorkshire Forager, she is a close mate of mine, and that was a huge relief she was there to help me through it.”

To get viewers’ taste buds tingling, Chris prepared one of his signature dishes on the show: “I did our already-famous spiced cod scotch egg with curry mayonnaise, my homage to Cornwall when I was there with Paul Ainsworth. James is such a brilliant professional, it’s very easy being with him, he makes it go extremely smoothly. There’s always room for a chuckle as well during filming!”

Chris believes the show will help to put Barlow and Chesterfield on the map as a place to enjoy quality cuisine, adding: “The show has over 1.5m live viewers, plus those watching on catch-up, which is huge. I am sure it will put Barlow and Chesterfield on the map and I am hoping it helps the pub as well. I can envisage already that the lads in the kitchen are going to be making hundreds of scotch eggs!”

The Tickled Trout is currently under refurbishment, but is set to reopen with an exciting new look this April. Keep up to date on the pub’s social media channels.

Find out more about The Tickled Trout here, or visit the restaurant’s website: https://www.tickledtroutbarlow.com/

Looking for more great places to eat and drink in the Chesterfield area? Check out our list of 50 top places to try in our town.

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

Chris Mapp on James Martin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Chesterfield Champions among the winners in regional tourism awards

Exceptional tourism businesses in Chesterfield and the Peak District took centre stage as the winners of the Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards were revealed at a glittering awards ceremony.

The prestigious event was held at the East Midlands Conference Centre and brought together hundreds of guests including industry leaders, innovators and rising stars for a night of recognition and celebration during English Tourism Week (14-23 March).

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

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, welcomed guests by congratulating the outstanding achievements of the region’s tourism and hospitality industry and highlighting the sector’s vital £5.25bn of economic impact contribution to the East Midlands’ economy.

VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes OBE applauded the talent, passion and innovation of the shortlisted finalists, and recognised the collaborative efforts of Visit Nottinghamshire and Visit Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby in driving growth and excellence across the region’s visitor economy.

The awards were hotly contested and finalists – including visitor attractions, experiences, pubs, restaurants and accommodation providers – progressed through shortlisting, mystery shopping and a rigorous judging process by an independent panel of experts to arrive at last night’s event.

In the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award category, Matlock Farm Park took the coveted gold award, while Peak Edge Hotel picked up the bronze accolade.

Peak Edge also won a silver award for Hotel of the Year, while Chatsworth’s Country Fair 2024 received gold for Festival and Event of the Year.

Hosted by Donna Alos, the awards ceremony featured a vibrant atmosphere and included a three-course meal produced by Nottingham Venues that showcased suppliers from across the East Midlands.

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

For the full list of winners from the Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Awards please visit: https://visitpeakdistrict.com/industry/events/category/tourism-awards

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “The East Midlands’ Tourism Awards showcase the places and experiences that make life in the East Midlands so rich. We are a destination – and tonight’s participants show why. I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to the winners and nominees, and to celebrate their ingenuity and hard work.

“I am also delighted that we are doing this as a region, for the first time. Just as the East Midlands Combined County Authority creates space for us to come together around a common cause, so too do these awards. I am committed to making the East Midlands the best region in the country to live, work, and visit, and it is by working in partnership that we can best achieve that goal.”

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “Bringing together the finalists of the Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards and the Nottinghamshire Tourism Awards under one roof has provided an invaluable opportunity to demonstrate the power of collaboration in driving excellence, delivering economic growth and elevating the quality of tourism across the East Midlands.

“Tourism is a major economic driver, and it is the dedication and passion of those working in the tourism sector that makes our region the world-class destination that it is – driving growth, creating jobs, and contributing billions to our economy.

“Huge congratulations to all the worthy winners as well as the shortlisted businesses and individuals!”

The 2025 Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards were sponsored by EV charging specialists VoltShare and Derbyshire-based C W Sellors Fine Jewellery & Luxury Watches, who designed and handcrafted luxury bespoke awards for all Gold winners.

The Awards Ceremony was jointly sponsored by Nottingham Venues and the East Midlands Combined County Authority.

If you’re planning a visit to the Peak District, be sure to experience Chesterfield during your stay.

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First phase of Chesterfield Market revamp completed

Chesterfield Market is ready to welcome visitors and shoppers to the first completed phase of the multi-million-pound regeneration project to revitalise the market and public spaces.

Work in the upper half of the Market square has included the installation of new feature paving, relaying of the traditional cobbles, the creation of bespoke market stalls, new street furniture and improvements to drainage, security and other infrastructure.

The second phase of the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project will now begin in the lower half of the Market square. It includes similar work to create a more open market that can support a wider range of markets and events.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “These exciting improvements are just the start of our town centre transformation, we’re enhancing the look and feel of the market but also providing traders with better facilities and creating more flexible spaces that will support a wider range of uses.

Market 3 L-R Cllr Kate Sarvent, Cllr Tricia Gilby

“It’s fantastic to see these improvements come to life and I hope that everyone can see what we are trying to achieve across our town centre. We’ll continue to work with our market traders and town centre businesses to minimise disruption as further phases of our regeneration project progress.”
Steve Siddall, whose family have been selling bedding and soft furnishings on Chesterfield Market for more than 70 years, said: “I like the new stalls, really sturdy and plenty of room. I’m looking forward to getting trading and welcoming new customers to my stall.”

The works are being carried out on behalf of the council by Thomas Bow.

John Allen, Construction Director at Thomas Bow, said: “After much hard work by our teams, both in the planning stage and delivery, it’s great to see the first phase of this high-profile scheme completed. As part of our commitment to delivering a positive impact through our works, and also the wider community, we have been busy behind the scenes working with local community groups, schools and colleges, educating young people on the civil engineering industry and providing a T level placement for a student within our offices.”

Works in the lower half of the market square will begin with the historic cobbles being lifted, and re-laid and some new paving will also be installed – together this will maintain the historic look but will provide a more level surface throughout the Market Place, making it easier for people with accessibility issues such as wheelchair and mobility scooter users or parents with pushchairs to navigate the market.

While works on phase two are underway a small number of traders will be on stalls in a new temporary market area in New Square.

New market stalls will be built and a new central area in the market place will have feature paving inspired by designs in the Market Hall and provide space for food traders and to support town centre events.

Later this year work will begin on New Square which will be opened up to create a new flexible events space but also provide additional stalls for busy market days.

Further phases of works include Rykneld Square which will be transformed to create a green and welcoming space from which to enjoy our much-loved Crooked Spire.
Improvements to Corporation Street will create a new gateway to the refurbished Stephenson Memorial Hall, which houses the Pomegranate Theatre and Chesterfield Museum.

The project is funded through an almost £20 million from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund. With the funding split between town centre regeneration works and the refurbishment of Stephenson Memorial Hall.

Find out more about the works taking place in Chesterfield town centre: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/revitalising-heart-of-chesterfield/

For more information or to sign up for project updates by email, please visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/revitalise

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Property and Construction, Stay, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , , , ,

Gladiators’ Giant to appear in Chesterfield pantomime this Christmas

This year’s Chesterfield Theatres pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk is on course to reach rarely seen heights as the production will star BBC One’s Gladiator, Giant.

Standing at over six feet tall, IFBB Pro League bodybuilder Jamie Christian-Johal, aka the dueling Giant from the Saturday night hit show, will bring his towering presence to the Winding Wheel stage from 5 December when he steps into the role of the larger-than-life pantomime Giant.

With menace and mayhem, audiences can expect a twist in the tale as Jack Trott’s giant enemy will be ready to defeat any contenders getting too close to the magical beanstalk.

Away from Gladiators, Jamie has appeared on Comic Relief, This Morning, Blue Peter, and Celebrity The Weakest Link in addition to appearances in live events such as Truckfest and Snap Fitness.

He was crowned the British Superheavyweight Champion in 2015, and in 2018, he earned his IFBB Pro status. Since then, he’s competed internationally, securing a top six finish at the 2022 Arnold Classic.

Jack and the Beanstalk runs throughout the festive period until 4 January 2026. Starring alongside Jamie is the very funny Patrick Monahan as Simon Trott. A comedy favourite at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, with his blend of high-energy performance and hilarious topical observations, he continues to be a huge hit across the UK. Once seen, never forgotten, Patrick guarantees an effortless connection with the young and old, making him a favorite comedian for everyone.

Pantomime producer Paul Holman, for Paul Holman Associates, said: “It’s fantastic to have Jamie on board, bringing his incredible strength and energy to the show. You can’t ask for a bigger or better Giant so we’re very excited to see the character grow!”

He also mentioned: “Patrick Monahan is the perfect choice to bring the comedy, ensuring there’s something for the whole family to enjoy.”

And it won’t just be magic beans in this pantomime production of Jack and the Beanstalk. Magician Nicholas Lee and his assistant Rachel O’Hare will bring the battle of good over evil to life with their unique spells and wizardry in the roles of the devilish Fleshcreep and the enchanting Spirit of Cloudland. Will they have the power to shrink a Giant? There’s only one way to find out!

Pantomime audiences, ready? Tickets are on sale for Jack and the Beanstalk at: https://chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk/

Find out more about upcoming events and activities in Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/events/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Christmas, Home, Leisure, Stay, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

New strategic vision unveiled for the regeneration of Chesterfield Canal

A masterplan to complete the restoration of the Chesterfield Canal as part of a large regeneration project has been launched.

The vision is for the Chesterfield Canal corridor to be reclaimed as a place for the local community to live, enjoy, and be employed; for tourists and visitors to come, play and stay; for new and existing businesses to grow and prosper; and for nature and biodiversity to thrive.

About 60 politicians, local government officers, businesspeople, canal enthusiasts and journalists gathered at the Parish Suite in Killamarsh to hear that there are two reports – a high level Strategic Outline Case covering the corridor between Chesterfield and Kiveton Park, and a more detailed Outline Business Case covering the section within North East Derbyshire District Council.

Both reports cover the Strategic, Economic, Commercial, Financial and Management aspects of full restoration. They focus on establishing a framework for the regeneration of the canal corridor rather than just the restoration of the canal itself.

The Chesterfield Canal Corridor Project will provide new canal and water-based training opportunities, introduce a range of activities to attract tourists and local residents, support activities for paddlesports, introduce cycling and walking trails with fitness opportunities to improve physical and mental health, create new business opportunities along the route, develop new carparking and access to improve connectivity, introduce measures to ensure the safety and security of users, support and enhance native wildlife and habitats, and create new areas for biodiversity.

It will further enhance the corridor as a place to live, visit and do business, improving the viability of housing delivery and raising land values locally to attract a range of economic investment.

Eighteen different hubs have been identified along the canal corridor. The report provides a summary of each site, some background information, potential project ideas and how they align with the drivers for change which are – Live, Work, Play, Health, Heritage and Environment.

The potential financial returns from these drivers include £252 million in Visitor Expenditure, £132 million in Art & Heritage Engagement and £116 million in Job Creation.

The masterplan was compiled by Focus Consultants and Sigma Architects. It was commissioned by the Chesterfield Canal Partnership, which is composed of local authorities, statutory and non-statutory bodies, the voluntary sector and private enterprise.

The Chair of the Partnership, Cllr Alex Dale, said: “Those of us who are close to the mission to restore the rest of the Chesterfield Canal, inherently know there are huge benefits economically, socially, environmentally and for the health and wellbeing of our local population. But as a partnership, it’s vital that we communicate the huge potential of a fully restored and navigable canal more publicly, especially for potential funders, to help secure the significant sums needed to finish the job. That is exactly what this new masterplan is all about.

“I particularly want to thank the Chesterfield Canal Trust, as well as our local authority partners – Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire County Council, North East Derbyshire District Council and Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council – for their vital funding contribution to produce this masterplan. We look forward to working together as a partnership to help realise our collective ambition to get the job done and realise the massive benefits the fully restored canal could bring to our communities and the region as a whole.”

During the research for the project, dozens of different stakeholders were consulted including all the local county, district and borough councils, the Trans Pennine Trail, Cycle Chesterfield, the British Horse Society, the Environment Agency, Don Catchment Rivers Trust, Kiveton Stakeholder Group and Don, Dearne & Rother Network. In addition, a community survey was circulated to Parish Councils along the route of the canal.

The project will be delivered alongside the restoration of the canal itself. The Chesterfield Canal is one of the country’s earliest navigations, opening in 1777. Originally constructed for carrying goods, the commercial traffic on the canal dropped off with the coming of the railways. The canal further declined in the early 20th century, and by 1968 only the 26 miles from Worksop to the River Trent were still navigable. Since 1989, through the hard work of those involved, 12 miles of the Chesterfield Canal has been reinstated, along with 37 locks, 12 major bridges and 2 new marinas.

There now remains approximately 8.5 miles of the canal to be restored between Staveley and Kiveton Park to make the canal fully navigable once more.

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Local charities and partners return for the 2025 Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K

The Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K has announced the return of its charity partners and sponsors for its 2025 event.

Scheduled for May 11th at Queen’s Park, this annual running event continues to unite the community while supporting local charities and promoting wellbeing.

The returning charity partners include the Redbrik Foundation as title sponsor, alongside Ashgate Hospice, Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, and Cavendish Cancer Care. The event also welcomes back Pronto Paints as a sponsor of the Fun Run and Wellbeing Challenge, alongside other returning sponsors Nuzest, Chapter II, North Derbyshire Running Club, and Chesterfield Borough Council.

Established in 2020, the Redbrik Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of people and communities across South Yorkshire and Northeast Derbyshire. The charity mainly focuses on children, young people, the elderly, and those with disabilities.

Ashgate Hospice delivers essential palliative and end-of-life care services for adults across North Derbyshire. Their involvement in the 10K helps fund their comprehensive range of services, from specialist nursing care to bereavement support.

Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, another returning charity partner, provides crucial support to families facing the heartbreaking reality of a child with a shortened life expectancy. Funding helps them continue offering services such as respite care, music therapy, and end-of-life care, all provided free of charge to families in need.

Cavendish Cancer Care supports individuals and families affected by cancer through a holistic approach to care. Their partnership with the event helps fund their range of services, including counselling, complementary therapies, and specialized support for children and young people, both online and at their dedicated Tim Pryor Centre.

Now in its fourth year, the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K will showcase Chesterfield’s landmarks, including the famous Crooked Spire, and will feature service and cheer stations along the route. Since 2017, more than £250,000 has been raised for various charities and good causes by the 10K races Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield Half Marathon.

John Timms, Event Director at MLS Contracts, said: “We are thrilled to welcome back all of our dedicated charity partners as well corporate sponsors from last year’s successful event. These partnerships have been key to making the Chesterfield 10K what it is today, and they showcase the brilliant community that exists within our region.

“We’re also excited to have the continued support of Pronto Paints, Chesterfield Borough , Destination Chesterfield, Nuzest, North Derbyshire Running Club and Chapter II, whose involvement helps ensure the event runs smoothly and professionally. Based on early registrations and community engagement, this year’s event is already shaping up to be our biggest yet. I can’t wait to see all runners, volunteers, and supporters gathering together again at Queen’s Park for another memorable day.”

David Cooper, Trustee of the Redbrik Foundation, added: “We are very proud to support this event, which has so much goodwill from all involved.

“We love this town and we want to see it thrive. Events such as this help to do that, with huge numbers of people coming to Chesterfield from all parts of the country to support, contribute or take part. We can’t wait until race day!”

To sign up for the upcoming race in May, visit: https://www.myraceentries.co.uk/RC10K/EntryForm.aspx

For more information about the charity partners, visit https://www.mlsgb.co/chesterfield-10k

Want to find out more about visiting Chesterfield and some of the great events and activities taking place across the town? Go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/ for more details.

Redbrik, Ashgate Hospice, Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, Chesterfield Borough Council and Nuzest support 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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Chesterfield Pride announces line-up for 10th anniversary event

Chesterfield Pride has announced an exciting line-up for its 10th anniversary event this July.

The festival, which sees thousands of visitors celebrating in Stand Road Park returns on Saturday July 19th.

The event will have two stages, with the main stage to be headlined by chart-topping boyband, 911. The group scored 10 top ten singles in the UK including a number one single. The Main Stage will also see performances from MOBO award-winning Big Brovaz, chart-topper and West End star Diana Vickers, 90s artists Alex Party and Berri.

Also announced on this year’s lineup is the iconic Honey G, Pride legend Kelly Wilde, Dene Michael from Black Lace and Britain’s Got Talent star, Rob King.

The event also hosts the Cabaret Stage which will see some of the UK’s most well-known drag artists appearing, alongside the best in unsigned talent. This year’s Cabaret Stage will see performances from the fabulous Baga Chipz, Fatt Butcher and Bernie De Bra. Aditionally, this stage will see some of the world’s best tributes including Donna Marie as Lady Gaga and Melissa Totten as Madonna. Unsigned artists appreating at the event include Toni Lee, Poppy-Mai, Davey Stuart and Lexi Whiteside.

Chesterfield Pride Organiser, Dan Walker commented: “I am so proud to see the event reach its 10th Birthday. To see Chesterfield Pride grow over 10 years has been fantastic. To know we are now the region’s biggest LGBTQ celebration is an amazing achievement. The event has a fantastic team of volunteers working on it to make it happen.

“Chesterfield Pride is a day about bringing the community together and having fun. Chesterfield Pride would not be possible without the amazing support from everyone that attends the event and all the businesses that sponsor us.”

Tickets are £10 if bought in advance. Under 16’s are free entry but must be accompanied with an adult. Tickets available through Skiddle or by visiting: chesterfieldpride.co.uk

Find out more about events and activities taking place in Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/events/

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Partnership working enables promotion of the Peak District and Derbyshire on the international stage

Recent international marketing activity work has been undertaken by Visit Peak District & Derbyshire to boost overseas visitors to the area.

2025 is off to a flying start with Visit Peak District & Derbyshire spearheading international tourism activity to support the destination’s core aims to increase overnight stays, extend the tourism season and grow the value of the visitor economy.

As lead partner of the area’s Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP), Visit Peak District & Derbyshire recently worked in partnership with VisitBritain and West Midlands Growth Company to host travel buyers from the Netherlands and Belgium on a familiarisation trip to the area.

The influential group of buyers and tour operators – all experts in selling trips to the UK – were in the destination as part of VisitBritain’s ‘Showcase Britain’ event, which includes a series of special educational visits to shine the spotlight on the latest products and experiences on offer for future visitors.

The programme enables overseas buyers to make new connections and gain first-hand experience of destinations, so they are equipped with the latest product knowledge to create new itineraries and drive international visits that will support and grow the visitor economy.

According to VisitBritain research, the UK welcomed 2 million visitors from the Netherlands in 2023 who spent a record £1.1 billion. In the same year, 867,000 visitors from Belgium travelled to the UK, spending a record £481.4 million.

With a strong focus on travelling for culture, heritage, nature and the outdoors, the aim is to encourage Dutch and Belgian visitors to add the Peak District and Derbyshire to future itineraries and help grow the destination’s £2.9bn visitor economy.

Visit Peak District & Derbyshire worked alongside six local tourism operators to bring the ‘Showcase Britain’ trip to life – and in connection with VisitBritain’s new Starring GREAT Britain campaign, the visit was designed to highlight some of the area’s many film locations which have featured in films and TV programmes shown across the world.

The buyers discovered the breathtaking beauty of the Peak District National Park on a guided walk with Peak Walking Adventures on Stanage Edge, as seen in the 2005 film adaptation of Pride & Prejudice.

The group also visited Haddon Hall, historic home of Lord and Lady Edward Manners, to discover the backdrop for famous films and TV shows including Wolf Hall, Mary Queen of Scots, The King, The Princess Bride and numerous adaptations of Jane Eyre.

The buyers enjoyed Bakewell Pudding Making at the Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop, sampled local food at The George, Hathersage and The Pilsley Inn on the Chatsworth Estate, and stayed at the newly-opened Bike & Boot Hotel in Hope, a walking, cycling and dog-friendly hotel in the heart of the Peak District.

The activity to drive international visits came hot on the heels of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire attending the Britain & Ireland Marketplace (BIM) trade event in London on 26th January, which offers British tourism suppliers and destinations an opportunity to meet 1-1 with overseas buyers from across the world.

Other recent activity has included an international workshop with VisitBritain Germany in November to meet major tour operators and travel agents, and promoting the area’s trade-ready product at the ‘Vakantiebeurs’ Trade Day event in Utrecht earlier this year, which is regarded as a key annual travel event for the Netherlands.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, says: “Attracting international visits to the Peak District and Derbyshire is vitally important to creating a sustainable, year-round visitor economy that supports local jobs, businesses and communities.

“International markets can be key for supporting tourism businesses in the traditionally quieter months, encouraging longer stays, increasing visitor spend, and driving economic growth right across the region.

“Being part of these important face-to-face events and familiarisation visits helps showcase the area as a world-class destination for key travel trade buyers, ensuring the Peak District and Derbyshire is ‘front of mind’ for them when programming and recommending destinations to their clients in 2025 and beyond.”

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, says: “People across the region know and enjoy the beautiful towns, villages and breathtaking countryside in Derbyshire, and we’re so fortunate to have the incredible Peak District on our doorstep. I have loved spending so much time in Derbyshire and the Peak District, it’s such a joy to visit either in my role as Mayor or going there with my family on rare days off.

“I am delighted with the work being done by the team at Visit Peak District and Derbyshire, as we rightly showcase to the world all we have to offer tourists and businesses. It is so important to me that we protect and promote this part of our region, support and grow the businesses here and make sure as many people across the globe add ‘Visit Derbyshire’ to their travel plans.”

Planning your trip to the Peak District or Derbyshire? Make sure you visit the historic market town of Chesterfield! Find out more about what our town has to offer at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/

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