Summer

A ‘celebrity’ shopping experience awaits Chesterfield shoppers

Non-essential retailers in Chesterfield town centre have returned to their shops and stores and re-opened with coronavirus-related safety measures in place after 13 weeks of closure.

The implementation of safety measures mean that some retailers are now promising shoppers a ‘celebrity’ shopping experience.

Laura Jo Owen, owner of Adorn Jewellers based in The Shambles said: “We’ve been chatting to our customers via social media throughout lockdown so that has helped us understand how they want to shop with us. They don’t want to queue and wait around to get into the shop which is why we’ve introduced an appointment only system to Adorn.”

“Whether purchasing or not, we want people to not feel pressured and have the shop to themselves – a celebrity shopping experience! We’re more than happy for customers just to browse and have a catch up with us – we’ve missed them.”

Ashgate Hospicecare has installed Perspex screens on the tills in its shops and also removed and condensed displays to enable people to observe the two-metre distancing rule.

Eighty-five per cent of the shops and stores in Vicar Lane Shopping Centre have re-opened with the remainder set to follow over the next few weeks.

Sarah Bowler, Office Administrator and Commercialisation Co-Ordinator at Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, explained: “All of the retailers at Vicar Lane have been working very hard to implement measures that make it as safe as possible for everyone. As well as social distancing measures, some stores are providing hand-sanitising stations, or are offering appointment-only shopping. Additionally, some are operating reduced opening hours.”

Ashgate Hospicecare is undertaking a phased re-opening of its shops and donation centres over a three-week period. “The shops and donation centre will be re-opened over a three-week period, starting with our donation point and furniture store in Hasland,” added Laura Evans, Head of Retail Operations at Ashgate Hospicecare.

Sarah added: “We have provided details of every store’s safety measures and opening times on the Vicar Lane website to help visitors feel confident about visiting us. We’re reviewing government guidelines on a daily basis and ensuring that we are able to adapt quickly.”

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre

Supporting retailers and visitors, Chesterfield Borough Council has implemented social distancing measures throughout the town centre, market and Market Hall.

There is now visible signage around the town centre advising shoppers where to queue outside individual shops. There are also signs in areas such as car parks and green spaces reminding people to follow social distancing guidelines keeping two metres apart from anyone outside of their household, and not to congregate in groups.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The safety of those who live, work and shop in Chesterfield town centre remains the council’s number one priority and we have been working closely with local retailers and market traders to make sure we can maintain safe social distancing within the town centre.”

“If you are worried about anything or have any questions, our town centre ambassadors will be on hand to help you.”

Retailers have praised the measures Chesterfield Borough Council has put in place around the town centre. “The council has also really considered the flow of people around The Shambles so we’re confident that social distancing is fully in place for every visitor,” said Laura-Jo.

Adorn Jewellers of Chesterfield

The safety measures have also given entrepreneurs confidence to set up a town centre business.

Prior to lockdown, Natalia Marcheta, owner of mobile Prosecco bar, Salute, was due to set up a pop-up bar in Vicar Lane and plans remain in place for later in the year. She said: “Having seen the social distancing measures the council has put in place in the town centre, it has given us confidence to go-ahead with the venture in-line with the government guidelines of when hospitality businesses are allowed to re-open, as we know that our staff and customers will be safe.”

The British Retail Consortium (BRC), is urging the public to “play their part” in making shopping safer. It says customers should follow five steps:

  • Queue considerately
  • Maintain social distancing
  • Follow instructions inside and outside shops
  • Follow all necessary hygiene measures
  • Be respectful to shop staff

Lockdown has hit many businesses and charities on the high street hard. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), retailers saw clothing and footwear purchases fall by two thirds.

Laura Evans explained: “The temporary closure of our shops has had a significant impact on the charity. Twenty-nine per cent of Ashgate Hospicecare’s income comes from its retail operations so we’re delighted to be able to re-open the shops.”

Ashgate Hospicecare’s Hasland Store

Vicar Lane praised the Government support for retailers during lockdown. Sarah Bowler “We’re delighted that all the existing retailers in Vicar Lane are re-opening after Lockdown, and we’ve also got a new bridal shop opening called Precious Memories by Anne-Marie. The Government help has been very welcome during this period and retailers are very thankful for the Rates Relief for this year – it is a huge weight off their shoulders.”

Despite the forced closure of non-essential retailers, many of Chesterfield’s retailers believe lockdown has been good for the health of the high street. Many town centre businesses are positive about their future following the success of the Shop Local message which has been championed by Destination Chesterfield, Derbyshire Times and Chesterfield Borough Council throughout lockdown.

Launched in April by Destination Chesterfield, the Supporting Local website has helped Chesterfield’s independent businesses and service providers continue to operate and supply their services and products during lockdown.

Dom Stevens, Manager of Destination Chesterfield explained: “The resilience that local businesses and service providers have shown during lockdown has been remarkable. Plans are in place by Destination Chesterfield to continue to promote the Shop Local message beyond lockdown and support retailers in their recovery and help them thrive as part of the town centre.”

Laura-Jo Owen said: “I think lockdown has helped people realise the shops and stores they have on their doorstep so I am expecting new customers who discovered us on social media over the last 12 weeks, to also visit the shop. We’re so happy to re-open and welcome back old and new customers to Adorn.”

Lisa Swift, owner of Shop Indie agreed, saying: “We believe that after the lockdown has ended and people are allowed to move freely that they will have a much better appreciation of local businesses they have been reliant on during lockdown.”

Despite the challenging circumstances, Chesterfield’s retailers and the council are united in their enthusiasm to re-open and welcome back customers.

Councillor Kate Sarvent said: “It’s great to see so many people back in the town centre as we look to restart our local economy. We know that many of you will have spent the last three months shopping online, but now is your chance to come back to the town centre, indulge in some retail therapy and support Chesterfield businesses by shopping local.

“The town centre has so much to offer. From national retailers to small independent stores and of course our outdoor market and Market Hall, there really is something for everyone.

“You’ll have the opportunity to browse and buy some of those nice to have items that you simply haven’t been able to get. Father’s Day is just around the corner too, so it’s the perfect chance for you to support our local retailers when you’re out looking for a gift.”

Click here for the Destination Chesterfield Father’s Day Gift Guide

Laura Evans, of Ashgate Hospicecare, added: “One thing that hasn’t changed in all our shops however, is the warm and friendly welcome. We can’t wait to welcome staff, volunteers and customers back.”

Sarah Bowler from Vicar Lane Shopping Centre agreed, saying: “We’re all very excited to be re-opening and welcoming everyone and getting back to the new ‘normal’.”

For shoppers who are still shielding,  the website – www.chesterfield.co.uk/supportinglocal has details of nearly 100 shops, food and drink businesses, training, support and service providers in and around Chesterfield that have adapted to provide and supply their products and services remotely.

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

Pets at Home Chesterfield pledges support for RSPCA Chesterfield and North Derbyshire in fundraising appeal

Until Sunday 5 July, customers at Pets at Home Chesterfield will be able to donate to the RSPCA Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, helping them to feed and care for rescue pets.

Support Adoption For Pets, the UK’s largest grant giving animal charity, has launched the nationwide ‘Save our Rescue Centres’ summer fundraising initiative, which will see pet rescue centres across the UK benefit from vital funds. Donations can be made either in store or online via the Support Adoption For Pets website.

Customers at the Chesterfield store will be encouraged to include a donation of as little as 50p to RSPCA Chesterfield and North Derbyshire when paying at the till, with 100% of all donations going straight to the rescue centre.

Many rescue centres across the UK are not currently able to rehome pets or host fundraising events as they normally would due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis, yet the pets in their care still need looking after.

Amy Wilson, Fundraising Manager for Support Adoption For Pets, said: “The ‘Save our Rescue Centres’ appeal is all about rescuing the rescues themselves; raising vital funds for them and the pets in their care, so that they are able to keep going until they can open, rehome pets, and fundraise as normal.”

“The message is simple – these pets cannot feed themselves. If you’re out shopping for pet essentials, just remember that even a 50p donation can help support a rescue pet with essentials like health checks,  food and shelter.”

“Every year, we are completely overwhelmed by the hard work and enthusiasm of Pets at Home stores as well as the generosity of its customers – and we thank them again for their support during these difficult times. We are urging people to give what they can in support of a rescue centre near them.”

Deb Wyld, Store Manager at Pets at Home Chesterfield, said: “We’re determined to raise as much money as we can for RSPCA Chesterfield and North Derbyshire during these challenging times, and hope that the people of Chesterfield will donate what they can, either while shopping with us in store or online.”

Support Adoption For Pets is a charity established by Pets at Home in 2006 and has helped more than 1,000 rehoming centres and animal welfare organisations across the UK. In addition to its fundraising work, it also runs dedicated adoption centres in Pets at Home stores.

For more information, and to make a donation, please visit: www.supportadoptionforpets.co.uk.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Summer

New bridal and prom dress boutique to open at Vicar Lane

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre is excited to welcome another new local name to the centre with its very own pop-up shop.

Precious Memories is Chesterfield’s newest bridal and prom dress boutique – offering its customers a glamourous experience, whatever the occasion. The store is set to open on Monday 15th June.

The owner and creator of Precious Memories, Anne-Marie, has always dreamed of one day running her own business which utilises her talents and expertise. After many years of modelling in the wedding industry, she was finally brave enough to follow her own dreams of creating the vision she had always dreamed of; a pristine, glamorous boutique, specialising in making women feel beautiful, empowered and like the queens they are.

Anne-Marie has a talent for high end customer service, personal stylist experience and a flare for hospitality. She understands how to dress each body shape to flatter, reflect personality and to evoke that powerful confidence when a woman feels beautiful.

Anne-Marie creates a warm, friendly space for ladies seeking bridal gowns and prom dresses that gives the ultimate VIP service, second to none, to absolutely every customer who walks through her doors.

The beautifully designed interior of Precious Memories allows customers to peruse through the exclusive designer dresses at ease and their luxurious, private viewing area adds a VIP element to the experience.

Precious Memories is also set to host a series of networking events for Brides and professionals in the wedding industry to connect. Bringing together local make-up artists, hair stylists, photographers and more in one location, Brides-to-be will be able to trial and sample a selection of products and services in one venue, taking the stress out of the wedding planning process.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager at Vicar Lane said, “We’re incredibly excited to be welcoming Anne-Marie and ‘Precious Memories’ to Vicar Lane. It is an incredibly exciting business model with lots of truly original elements that we are sure our customers will benefit from and most importantly – enjoy!”

Click here to find out more about Vicar Lane Shopping Centre

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre are members of the Chesterfield Champions local business membership scheme. To find out more about the Chesterfield Champions, click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Featured, Home, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Chesterfield’s digital flower festival – Grow and Tell

Chesterfield Borough Council is encouraging residents to share pictures of gardens, wildlife and wildflowers they spot around the borough in order to help create a digital flower festival.

The virtual festival, Grow and Tell, aims to collect images from around the borough that show off some of the colourful flower displays created by residents, as well as wildflowers and wildlife from across the borough’s many green spaces. Residents are also asked to share some of the stories behind the photographs.

Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “With the cancellation of Britain in Bloom, Grow and Tell is a chance for us all to show how marvellous Chesterfield looks at this time of year. I hope lots of people will send pictures of all the hard work they’ve done during lockdown in their gardens and pictures of the unusual flowers they have spotted whilst exploring the borough.”

All the images and accompanying messages that are sent in will be placed in a special gallery on the council’s website and Facebook page for anyone to view whenever they need a splash of colour and inspiration.

In order to share your pictures for Grow and Tell please d one of the following:

Find out more and view the gallery here.

In addition to the digital flower festival, Chesterfield Borough Council is holding a Chesterfield’s Still Blooming competition to find the borough’s best sunflowers, with garden centre vouchers on offer as prizes for the winners.

There are three categories:

  1. Tallest sunflower – from the top of the soil to the top of the flower. (Please make sure your picture is next to a tape measure)
  2. Sunflower with the largest flower head based on diameter or width. (Please include a photo next to a ruler or tape measure).
  3. Sunflower plant with the most flower heads. (Please try to make sure all flower heads are visible in your photo).

To enter please send a picture of your sunflower, stating your name and the category you want to enter to green.spaces@chesterfield.gov.uk

Chesterfield’s Still Blooming will run until Wednesday 30 September 2020. Winners will be given a special certificate and vouchers that can be used at garden centres.

The council will announce the winners on social media and share some of the best pictures from the competition.

Chesterfield in Bloom

Posted in About Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Chesterfield to see reopening of non-essential retail businesses from 15 June

Chesterfield Borough Council is working with local retailers, Market Hall traders and the Pavements and Vicar Lane Shopping Centres to achieve the phased re-opening of non-essential retail stores within Chesterfield Town Centre from 15 June.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “It was great to welcome our regular market traders back to the town’s general market last week.

“We’re very much looking forward to the return of our ever popular flea market from this Thursday, and to more town centre retailers opening up for business from next Monday.”

“The safety of those who live, work and shop in Chesterfield town centre remains the council’s number one priority and we have been working closely with local retailers and market traders to make sure we can maintain safe social distancing within the town centre.”

“Signage will advise shoppers where to queue outside individual shops, and where restrictions may be enforced.”

“Barriers are also available for shops to use to make it clear where people should queue and wait to enter shops and this process will be supported by a number of council appointed ambassadors, deployed around the town centre to assist shoppers.”

In line with both Government and industry guidance, the town’s general market, which operates every Monday, Friday and Saturday, successfully re-opened for business last week, following the easing of lockdown restrictions. It was announced last week that the popular flea market is set to return to the town centre on Thursday 11 June.

The public toilets, which are located in the Market Hall are also open, but customers will notice some changes in terms of extra cleaning and hygiene procedures, and social distancing measures.

Local businesses are currently offering you amazing products, services and advice to support you during the Coronavirus outbreak.

Click here to view our Supporting Local pages

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Featured, Home, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Local residents asked to share Covid-19 experiences for new book

Derbyshire Voluntary Action (DVA) is to publish a book documenting the Covid-19 Pandemic as seen through the eyes of Chesterfield and the surrounding areas, and are now asking for submissions from local residents.

Submissions will be welcomed from residents of all ages, from amateur and professional artists, poets, photographers, creative writers to key workers, volunteers and those who have been directly impacted by Covid-19.

  • Do you have interesting photos of bad haircuts, VE Day celebrations, volunteer’s delivering food parcels, deserted streets and queues outside supermarkets?
  • Have you kept a diary during this time or have you expressed yourself in a short story or poem?
  • Have you or your children created rainbows for your windows or a scarecrow in your garden?
  • Maybe you now feel inspired to create something?

Jacqui Willis, Chief Executive of DVA (pictured), said: “Allow your creativity to record your experience and consider the ways you’ve dealt with the changes, the ups and the downs, the feelings of isolation and loneliness and let’s not forget the heart-warming stories, the acts of kindness towards strangers and elements of lockdown we may not want to lose!”

With your permission, the work you submit will be featured in the Covid-19 book, the DVA Network magazine, Derbyshire Voluntary Action website’s COVID 19 page, social media platforms and when it is safe to do so, at an event for everyone to view the array of submissions.

To be included or to find out more, please email to charlotte@dva.org.uk or post your submission to Derbyshire Voluntary Action, Offices 2a – 2c, The Market Hall, Chesterfield S40 1AR.

Derbyshire Voluntary Action (DVA) is one of 180 Chesterfield Champions supporting the marketing and economic growth of the town.

Click here to find out more about Chesterfield Champions

Story of Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Summer, Visiting

Derbyshire libraries’ Summer Reading Challenge goes digital

Derbyshire County Council libraries are supporting this year’s Summer Reading Challenge by organising online events and activities.

Children are invited to sign up to the national Silly Squad – this years theme – where there will be lots of information, quizzes, resources and book suggestions for them to enjoy.

The Silly Squad is a group of madcap animals looking for fun and the aim is to encourage children and their families to have fun too, get silly and read anything that makes them happy. Whether that’s a comic, joke book, poetry, fiction or non-fiction, in digital or print format, from e-book lending through Derbyshire libraries online or reading books they already have at home.

The challenge will run from June to September, launching with a week of activity from Monday 1 June, with the official launch on 5 June 2020.

Local libraries will be joining the fun throughout the summer by offering online story times, mini book reviews and recommendations, a forum for sharing ideas and suggestions about books and a regular craft activity.

Councillor Barry Lewis, Derbyshire County Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Leadership, Culture and Tourism, said: “The Summer Reading Challenge has always been a fantastic way to ensure children keep up their reading skills over the long summer holiday. As many children have been unable to go to school in the last few months this is more important than ever. And parents who are home-schooling their youngsters will welcome the Summer Reading Challenge as another way to motivate them.”

He added: “Encouraging children to read independently and to read more has huge benefits for their development and educational achievement.”

Children who aren’t library members join the library with the help of a parent or guardian. A member of staff will then be in touch with their library card number so that children can borrow eBooks, eMagazines and eAudiobooks.

Find more information and the programme of activities about the summer reading challenge, click here or visit the Derbyshire Libraries’ Facebook or Twitter pages.

Harry Pooter night chesterfield library

Posted in About Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Summer

Chesterfield’s popular Flea Market to return next week

Chesterfield’s popular flea market is set to return to the town centre on Thursday 11 June.

The news comes days after the town’s general market successfully re-opened for business, following the easing of lockdown restrictions.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Our priority is to ensure that Chesterfield town centre is as safe as possible for everyone. In line with Government and industry guidance, we have introduced physical changes to the layout of the market to maintain safe social distancing and signage reminding people from different households to keep two metres apart and to regularly wash or gel their hands.”

“It was great to welcome our regular market traders back to the town’s general market on Monday and we look forward to seeing more of our regular traders return this coming Friday and Saturday.”

“The council took the decision not to run with Thursday’s popular flea market this week. We felt it was important to first learn the lessons from the general markets in terms of queuing systems, customer journeys and social distancing pinch points. We however, plan to reopen the flea market on Thursday, 11 June.”

Casual traders are not able to join the regular market traders at this stage as the council’s markets team need the flexibility of space to be able to adjust the layout of the market to ensure that traders and member of the public can maintain safe social distancing.

The council continues to support retailers selling essential goods from the Market Hall with more traders expected to return to the indoor market from 15 June. Access in and out of the Market Hall will however continue to be controlled to maintain safe social distancing within the premises.

The council is also working with local retailers and the Pavements and Vicar Lane Shopping Centres to assist with the phased re-opening of non-essential stores from 15 June. This includes establishing what support they might need to manage queues both within and outside their stores in terms of barriers, signage and floor markings.

Councillor Kate Sarvent continued: “Throughout the pandemic, it has been great to see people’s commitment to shopping local when buying their essential goods.”

“As we progress with our phased re-opening of the town centre and more shops and market stalls start to return, I would encourage residents to continue to support our retailers and traders wherever they can.”

“Shopping local will help to restart Chesterfield’s economy, and also reduces the number of miles people travel to buy essential goods such as groceries, which has a positive impact on our environment.”

All of the latest service-related updates will be published in the dedicated Coronavirus information hub: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/coronavirus

Arts and Crafts Fair

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Featured, Home, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Summer, Visiting

Matlock Farm Park celebrate Twiglet the miracle goat kid

Twiglet, a new addition at Matlock Farm Park, wasn’t expected to survive after being rejected by his mother, but is now happy and healthy thanks to round the clock care from the Matlock Farm Park team.

During lockdown, life has gone on as normal for the animals of Matlock Farm Park, with many wonderful new arrivals of lambs, chicks, bunnies and goat kids. Some however have provided the farm’s dedicated team with more drama than others, with one particular baby creating a little triumph over adversity.

Twiglet was born four weeks prematurely and sadly lost his sibling at birth. Twiglet’s mum was a first-time parent and it soon became evident to staff that she was rejecting her only surviving kid. Fortunately neighbouring farmer Eddie (pictured), who was checking on all the newborns late one night, noted how much heat little Twiglet was losing and took the weak kid home to try to save him.

Eddie made a small pen next to his log burner to keep Twiglet warm and the experienced farmer then bottle fed him throughout the night.

Eddie said: “I’ve seen many vulnerable newborns over the years and I really didn’t think this premature little one would make it.”

Twiglet was still very weak the following day, but with a few more days of dedicated care from Eddie, Twiglet gained more strength. Eddie then passed the reins to Matlock Farm Park worker Kate (below) who continued to care for him 24/7, bottle feeding him day and night and taking him to tag along beside her at the farm park.

Kate said: “It’s taken so much care to get Twiglet to where he is now and of course with us being closed, there are only a couple of voluntary staff to tend to around 150 animals every day, so it’s quite a task. But Twiglet is worth it – he’s such a character and he’s become a bit of a celebrity with our social media followers!”

Twiglet has now been introduced back in to the farm park and is happily making friends with ‘the other kids’, leaping off rocks and frolicking in the sunshine. Kate and Eddie continue to tend to Twiglet and all of the animals’ needs.

Kate added: “I think the animals are really missing their visitors and all the attention they get from them. We’re really looking forward to opening our doors again and welcoming people back to enjoy interacting with our animals in this beautiful wide-open setting”.

Until Government guidelines allow Matlock Farm Park to re-open, their team will continue to bring the farm park into people’s homes with an array of photos, videos and news across their social media platforms.

Click here to find out more about Matlock Farm Park

Posted in About Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

£35,000 funding for Chesterfield Theatres confirmed by Arts Council England

Chesterfield Borough Council has secured £35,000 from the Arts Council Emergency Response Fund to support the re-launch of the Pomegranate and The Winding Wheel theatres as and when the current Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.

The grant of £35,000 is made possible with thanks to public funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Chesterfield Theatres can’t wait to get back to delivering the full range of shows and events that our growing audiences from near and far have come to expect. Our Theatres’ team are already considering how best to use the funding so that when the time is right for us to reopen, we will be in a position to create more memorable experiences for our theatregoers.”

The Theatres’ broad range of events, which includes drama, musicals, dance, comedy, concerts, talks and cinema came to an abrupt halt midway through March due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Income from ticket sales, bar sales and venue hire are integral to the Theatres’ survival. The emergency funding will fund essential marketing costs to help the Theatres’ reach out to customers, old and new, and highlight some of the great shows planned for when lockdown measures are eased.

The Pomegranate and The Winding Wheel theatres are still subject to Covid-19 restrictions, but a series of Autumn shows are currently available to book including the Pomegranate Theatre’s hit Christmas Pantomime, Beauty and the Beast. To find out more about Chesterfield Theatres and to book tickets visit www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk.

The Grade II-listed theatres, the Pomegranate Theatre and The Winding Wheel Theatre, are proudly owned and managed by Chesterfield Borough Council.

Relatively Speaking

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

Dronfield Open Art Exhibition goes virtual

For the first time, Dronfield Arts Festival is now hosting its popular Open Art Exhibition as an online event.

Although the exhibition is no longer taking place at Dronfield Hall Barn, local digital design agency FWD Motion, managers of the Dronfield Arts Festival, are now sharing the artwork online, to allow everyone to enjoy a fantastic selection of unique pieces, created by some of our most talented local artists.

The diverse array of styles and mediums on display, reflects the varied backgrounds of the entrants. Award-winning artist Carole Slinn, whose modern, mixed-media artwork focuses on an individual’s personal history and how this influences their identity, is just one of the artists featured in the exhibition.

Heron Publications, the publishers of Twist Magazine, are this year’s festival patrons, will be awarding the two most outstanding pieces of art with the titles of ‘Best in Show’ and ‘Highly Commended.’

Art lovers, or those looking to treat someone special, can purchase any of the original artwork currently being exhibited in the online gallery, subject to availability.

Click here to view the online art gallery

Dronfield Arts Festival, FWD Motion and Heron Publications are all members of the Chesterfield Champions local business membership scheme.

To find out more about the Chesterfield Champions, click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Featured, Home, Leisure, Summer

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