Summer

Local shopping centre reveals moving WW1 tribute

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre recently unveiled a “poetry walk” on part of its site, in a touching tribute which marked 100 years since the end of World War I.

The town’s Mayor cut the ribbon of the Vicar Lane WW1 tribute exhibition on 14th May, with press and members of the public in attendance.

In situ until January 2019, the piece is made up of 11 different poems engraved onto the wall in the link walkway to the car park, installed as part of the WWI commemorations across the town lead by Chesterfield Borough Council. The poems on display include timeless works from Rudyard Kipling, John McCrae and other famed war poets.

During the opening of the exhibition, the Royal British Legion collected donations on site, with all funds raised being donated to the Poppy Appeal – a charity which offers welfare support for those in the Armed Forces community who are facing difficulties – supported by the Royal British Legion Riders and the Chesterfield RBL.

Shaun Brown, Operations Manager for Vicar Lane, said:-

“We are honoured to be able to partake in these important celebrations, and to pay respect to those who fought for us. We hope that the exhibition will inspire Chesterfield and make our community proud.”

Chesterfield businesses and voluntary groups are also invited to work with Chesterfield Borough Council to help plan commemorations in the borough to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War. Chesterfield Borough Council, in partnership with Chesterfield Combined Ex Services is also planning a poppy cascade from the balcony of Chesterfield Town Hall in the week of Armistice Day this November, which will require thousands of knitted, crocheted or felt poppies.

A number of organisations in Chesterfield are planning events during the year and in particular for the period 11 October to 11 November.

vicar lane ww1 tribute

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer

Nominate now in the 2018 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards

Nominations are now open for the sixth annual Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards.

The town’s thriving food and drink sector will once again be celebrated by awards organiser, Destination Chesterfield. It is now urging people to nominate their favourite restaurants, bars, cafes, pubs and tearooms across 10 categories.

And it’s not just businesses you can nominate in the 2018 awards. Apprentices and apprenticeships are also being recognised this year with the introduction of two brand new categories – Apprentice of the Year and Apprentice Employer of the Year.

Nominations across 10 categories can be made online until midnight on Monday 11th June 2018 at www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield is now urging people to get nominating. He said: “Each year we get more and more nominations proving that we’re a town that appreciates good food and customer service. There are so many fantastic businesses and  people working within them in the town. For them to have a chance of taking home one of the prestigious awards, they have to be nominated – their future is in your hands.”

“I hope the people of Chesterfield get behind us once again and nominate to help make the 2018 Food and Drink Awards 2018 the best yet.”

Once again, The Chesterfield College Group is the headline sponsor of the prestigious awards and will also be hosting the glittering awards ceremony in its Heart Space building later this year.

Julie Richards, Principal and Chief Executive of the Chesterfield College Group said: “It is fantastic to be able to support this annual celebration of the best of our local food and drink industry once again this year. The event highlights local talent in the industry at the same time as giving our catering and hospitality students some amazing opportunities to showcase their talent. I look forward to welcoming the shortlisted nominees to Chesterfield College in October.”

Nominations can be made across 10 categories in the 2018 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards include:

Other supporters of the awards include the Apprentice Town initiative led by Chesterfield Borough Council, Casa Hotel, Derbyshire Times, Elder Way (Jomast), Owen Taylor & Sons, Peak FM and Reflections.

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

Cheer on England in the UEFA U17’s Euro Semi Final for just £1

England are through to the semi-finals of the U17 Euros and all tickets for the match at the home of the Spireites on Thursday evening are just £1.

England beat Norway 2-0 in the quarter-finals at Burton to reach the last four of the competition, where they will play either Republic of Ireland or the Netherlands at Chesterfield this Thursday evening (7pm).

Goals from Bobby Duncan and Xavier Amaechi secured the win for the Young Lions, with over 5,000 England fans coming out to support the youngsters.

UEFA and The Football Association have made all tickets for the semi-final just £1 for all and have encouraged fans to come out and support the Young Lions as they aim to reach the final at Rotherham on Sunday.

With the tournament already being a major success, with combined attendances reaching over 40,000 so far, The FA has been working alongside local schools to engage children in the area.

England head coach Steve Cooper said: “I know the people who have been managing the tournament have wanted it to be affordable for families and children. That has definitely been reflected in the crowds we’ve got for England matches.

“We had a fantastic turnout at our opening group game at Chesterfield. It was a brilliant atmosphere and we’re really grateful for the support.

“Chesterfield is a great venue and we’re really looking forward to playing there again on Thursday. Hopefully we can get another strong attendance for the semi-final.”

See England play either Republic of Ireland or the Netherlands at Chesterfield this Thursday (7pm) in the UEFA European Under-17 Championship semi-final.

Tickets are on sale now for £1 via www.thefa.com or at the Chesterfield FC Club Superstore, including on the day of the game.

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

Get in the groove for new festival in Chesterfield

Residents and visitors are encouraged to head to Chesterfield’s market for a brand new food and music festival this month.

The Street Food and Grooves festival, organised by Edge Events and supported by Chesterfield Borough Council, begins with a launch party on Friday 11 May from 6pm and continues over the weekend.

Edge Events organises the popular Chesterfield Food Festival held in Queen’s Park which returns on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 August this year.

Taking place in New Square, the Street Food and Grooves Festival will feature some of the finest local produce including world street food including vegetarian and vegan dishes, sweet treats, ales, bespoke gin and vodka, prosecco and a selection of wines.

On Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 May from 11am, some of the region’s talented musicians will give live performances to suit every musical taste playing live from the Sound Bites Stage’

Councillor Steve Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “This festival is a really exciting opportunity for people to visit our historic market and try some of the world’s most popular street foods and hear talented local musicians.

“One of our top priorities is to make Chesterfield a thriving borough.As with the recent successful Chesterfield Wheel ride, this new festival is an example of how we are working in partnership with the private sector to add exciting new events to the calendar.

“We are sure it will prove a real draw and encourage more people to come into the town centre to support our fantastic local shops, market traders, bars and restaurants.”

Chesterfield residents can use their residents’ parking pass to park free all day on Sunday 13 May.

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

Organisations invited to support blooming glorious Chesterfield

Chesterfield is set to experience a blooming riot of colour this summer as residents get set to enter the annual best kept garden competition as part of the Chesterfield in Bloom campaign.

The launch of this year’s Chesterfield and East Midlands in Bloom campaign is fast approaching and the organisers are looking for local organisations to support the event.

Chesterfield in Bloom is led by a committee of local residents supported by Chesterfield Borough Council, who have been working hard on new initiatives for the forth coming campaign including new categories for specifically for council house tenants and a wheel barrow competition for secondary school children. They are also looking to expand the amount of floral displays we have in the town centre through their work with other town centre partners.

A record breaking number of more than 100 people took part in the competition last year, which is open to all Chesterfield borough residents.

Current partners include Ringwood Hall Hotel, Spencer’s Solicitors, Killingley Landscapes, Tawney Wood Developments, Dunston Hall and New Leaf Garden Centres. Local businesses and companies are invited to join the current partners to support the Chesterfield in Bloom competition with a number of sponsorship opportunities available.

The sponsorship packages include company name engraved on the awards and certificates, listed on entry forms and award brochures, invitation to the awards and judging competition alongside extensive PR coverage in local media from April – September 2018.

If you are interested in supporting Chesterfield in Bloom contact John Ramsey at john.ramsey@chesterfield.gov.uk

Chesterfield in Bloom

Posted in About Chesterfield, Summer

Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon Wellbeing Challenge up and running

An inaugural challenge which will give businesses and families the chance to get involved with the 2018 Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon has been officially launched.

Details for the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon’s ‘Wellbeing Challenge’ were revealed at a special Champions Breakfast held by new event partner, Destination Chesterfield – a leading regional place marketing partnership which has pledged its support for the Half Marathon.

Entry into the challenge, which is the best-value way of entering the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon Events at £80 in total, includes two entries into each of the event’s three individual elements – the 13.1-mile Half Marathon, the 5-Mile Run and the one-kilometre Fun Run. It is aimed at encouraging local businesses and families to get involved with what is set to become the region’s biggest mass participation event.

Destination Chesterfield kicked off its partnership with the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon by launching a competition to win free entry into one of the 2018 Half Marathon events – with more prizes and competitions in the pipeline.

John Timms, events director at MLS Contracts Ltd, organisers of the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon, said: “We are delighted to have Destination Chesterfield on board as sponsor for this year’s Chesterfield Half Marathon.

“As a Chesterfield business, they share countless values with ourselves, headline sponsor Redbrik Estate Agency and of course our charity partners Ashgate Hospicecare and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.

“After the success of last year’s event, we cannot wait for this year’s Half Marathon, and we’re excited about what this new partnership will bring to the 2018 event.”

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield manager, said: “We’re delighted to support the 2018 Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon. It has become an important event in the town’s calendar, helping raise the profile of Chesterfield, bringing people into the town to discover our offering and, crucially, spend money with our retailers and food and drink businesses here.

“It’s also a great example of Chesterfield Champions – Redbrik, Chesterfield Borough Council, Peak FM, Crush Design & Creative and Ashgate Hospicecare – working together for the benefit of not only the town’s profile but for the people who will benefit from the charitable proceeds raised from the event.

“The addition of the Fun Run and Wellbeing Challenge is an excellent opportunity to get even more people involved in this fantastic event. I speak from experience, having competed every year since the event was launched, and this year will be no different. I am very much looking forward to it.”

This year’s Half Marathon, which is backed by Chesterfield Borough Council, will take place on Sunday 21 October 2018, starting at 9:30am in Queen’s Park, Chesterfield. Leading estate agency Redbrik will return as headline sponsor for the second year of its five-year sponsorship deal.

New for 2018 is a 5-Mile Run and a Wellbeing Challenge for businesses, community groups and family groups to get involved in. The event schedule will also be bolstered by the return of the one-kilometre Fun Run, which is open to all ages and abilities and takes place within Queen’s Park. Entry is £5.

Entries for the marathon is open, it is simple and easy to sign up. For more information visit www.redbrikchesterfieldhalf.com.

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

Well dressing tradition celebrated at RHS Chatsworth Flower Show 2018

From 6-10 June, the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) newest Show, RHS Chatsworth Flower Show partnered by Wedgwood will return to the magnificent 1,000 acre Chatsworth Estate with exciting new content including a river of 12,000 Cosmos and over 100 varieties of orchid, to satisfy inquisitive minds and fulfil the senses. Moving on from last year’s success, Well Dressing will once again be a main feature in the Community area at the show.

Last year’s entrant Elaine Chapman of Tideswell Welldressers said: ‘The Show was a splendid showcase for the tradition of Welldressing in Derbyshire allowing its artistry to be brought to a wider audience.’

The RHS are calling out to all Well Dressing groups to apply to be part of this exciting new show and asking  groups to theme their entries around their own town/village or group they’re representing. This can be in the form of an iconic building, a famous person of note, a slice of social history, folklore or tradition, the choice is yours. Well dressings will be on display for the whole of show week.  During which time visitors to the show will be able to vote for their favourite. The winning well dressing will receive an RHS engraved trophy.

Deadline for submissions is Monday 26th February.  Please follow the link: https://rhsforms.formstack.com/forms/cha18_well_dressing_application to apply.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Lionel Richie Announces Chesterfield Show

International superstar Lionel Richie will return to the UK in 2018, with a show at Chesterfield’s Proact Stadium on Thursday, June 21. The date is part of a summer tour which will be visiting iconic venues across the country. Tickets go on sale on February 2, from 10am.

Performing hits from his extensive and much loved repertoire spanning decades, all the way from the Commodores to the present day, Richie’s shows are world renowned for their party atmosphere. Fans will be able to enjoy timeless mega-hits and sing along to classics such as ‘Lady’, ‘Truly, ‘Dancing on the Ceiling’, ‘Say You Say Me’, ‘Hello’ and ‘All Night Long’.

Lionel says of his return:-

“I’ve been missing the UK and can’t wait to make my long awaited return and to see parts of the country I’ve never made it out to before. The fans are always incredible and they make the atmosphere at every show electric, so I look forward to singing along with them soon.”

Michael Dunford, Chief Executive of Chesterfield FC, added:-

“We are absolutely thrilled and excited that a superstar like Lionel has incorporated the Proact Stadium within his European tour dates.

“Lionel is assured of the warmest welcome possible from the Chesterfield public. This shows once again that the Proact is recognised as being one of the leading event venues in the country.”

These will be Lionel’s first UK shows since receiving glittering reviews for the‘All The Hits’  tour which included three nights at London’s O2. The dates followed a phenomenal Glastonbury performance which drew the biggest crowd of the weekend as over 200,000 people flocked to the Pyramid Stage. Lionel’s incredible success continued as his album ‘The Definitive Collection’ topped the charts and provided his first UK Number 1 in 23 years.

Lionel went on to receive British GQ’s Icon Award adding to a celebrated career which includes the O2 Silver Clef Award, four GRAMMYs, a Golden Globe and even an Oscar as well as the prestigious Nordoff Robbins O2 Silver Clef Award. In 2016, Lionel launched his on-going Las Vegas headline residency show, ‘Lionel Richie—All the Hits’, at The AXIS at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, where he takes his fans on a spectacular musical journey, performing a variety of his seminal hits. Having sold over 100 million albums worldwide he recently joined the judging panel on ABC’s American Idol.

Lional Richie Chesterfield

 

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

Schools ticket initiative launched for European Under-17s Championship in May

England will host the UEFA European Under-17 Championship for the first time this summer with Chesterfield being one of the host towns.

UEFA tournament ambassador Nathaniel Chalobah visited Outwoods Primary School in Burton-upon-Trent on Wednesday.

The event was held to launch the ticketing campaign aimed at attracting local school children to the matches and mark 100 days to go before the competition begins.

The tournament will be played between Friday 4 May and Sunday 20 May, across 10 match days at six venues: Rotherham United, Chesterfield, Burton Albion, Walsall, St. George’s Park and Loughborough University.  Chesterfield will host the opening game, 2 groups games, a quarter final and a semi final match.

School friendly early kick-off times at 1pm will be played at each stadium to give children a unique opportunity to watch the stars of the future on their doorstep.

Tickets for children are only £2 and accompanying teachers/adults go for free.

Watford star Chalobah, who made 97 youth appearances for England and won the U17s European Championship in 2010 said: “It’s great for England to host a European Championship on home soil.

“There are lots of opportunities for schools to get involved and as we saw today, there’s a real enthusiasm for football among young people.

“Throughout my youth career, I always enjoyed competing in these tournaments and the 2010 win is a real career highlight to date.

“It’s an honour to be named as a tournament ambassador and I’m really looking forward to the big kick-off in May.”

Wayne Rooney, Eden Hazard, Paul Pogba and Cristiano Ronaldo are some of the famous names to have appeared at this level in the past, with the competition acting as the perfect platform for young players to showcase their talents.

England who won the European Under-17 title in 2010 and 2014, and also finished runners-up to Spain in 2017, have qualified automatically for the tournament as hosts.

After the unprecedented success of England’s development teams in 2017 and interest in youth football at an all time high, the 16 nation tournament will showcase Europe’s leading young talent.

Purchase School Tickets

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival returns for 2018

After the overwhelming success of the event last year, the Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival returns to Queen’s Park for a second year on the 4th and 5th August.

The festival is designed to celebrate the very best in Chesterfield Food and Drink with over 50 regional traders and businesses coming together at Queens Park to sell and showcase their produce and services. Traders already confirmed for 2018 include Nonnas Chesterfield, Global Brands and Ashgate Hopsicecare.

This year Chesterfield Champion, The Cheese Factor, has also been confirmed as main sponsor for the Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival.

The Cheese Factor, a well known family run business in the town, is a specialist cheese shop which stocks over 130 different cheeses from around the world. The Cheese Factor are proud to be a Chesterfield Champion, avidly supporting any initiative that will help Chesterfield to develop and grow as a destination – including sponsoring the Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival.

Laura Ashby, Co-organiser and Creator of Edge Events, comments:-

“After an amazing first year we have expanded the site, adding more traders and activities to create a bigger and better festival for 2018 – there really will be something for everybody.Once again the festival will be free entry to everyone enabling everybody within Chesterfield and the surrounding areas to join in the event.

“We are really happy to have Cheese Factor as our main sponsor this year – a really well known company throughout Chesterfield and their products speak for themselves.”

Simon Davidson, Owner of R.P Davidson Cheese Factor, says:-

“The Cheese Factor is thrilled to be main Sponsor of the 2nd Chesterfield food and drink festival. Chesterfield has so much to offer and this will show people the diversity of food we have in the area and an event we can look forward to.”

Over the weekend there will be something for the whole family with delicious hot and cold food from around the world, talks and presentations, a live music stage, dance demonstrations, children’s entertainment and much more.

The Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival is just one of Edge Events growing programme of events in the town joining the Street Food and Grooves Festival which was recently announced set to take place in Chesterfield town centre from the 11th – 13th May.

Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival

Posted in About Chesterfield, Summer, Visiting

Chesterfield announced as a host venue for UEFA European Under-17 Championships 2017

UEFA and The Football Association have named the venues which will host the UEFA European Under-17 Championship final tournament in May next year.
Chesterfield, Burton Albion,Loughborough University, Rotherham United, St. George’s Park and Walsall have all been selected to host the annual UEFA tournament.

The competition for Europe’s 16 elite nations will be played at venues across the Midlands and South Yorkshire with St. George’s Park at its heart.

Chesterfield will host the opening game and Rotherham United will stage the final, with fixtures taking place between 4-20 May.

Tickets will go on sale in January with the final draw taking place at St. George’s Park in April.

Wayne Rooney, Eden Hazard, Paul Pogba and Mario Götze are some of the famous names to have appeared at this level in the past with the competition acting as the perfect platform for young players to showcase their talents. England who won the European Under-17 title in 2010 and 2014, and also finished runners- up to Spain in 2017, qualified automatically for the tournament as hosts.

UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin said:
“The European Under-17 Championship gives football fans an early opportunity to watch talented young footballers as they start out on what they hope will be successful careers in the game.

The competition also provides the youngsters with an ideal chance to perform on an international football stage.
I am very happy that the finals are being staged in England. The Football Association are experienced hosts of major football events, and we are all looking forward to an exciting and entertaining tournament.”

England U17s head coach Steve Cooper added:

“We are very proud to be hosting the men’s European Under-17 finals next summer.”
“St. George’s Park will be at the heart of training and matches and all six venues will give the players an opportunity to perform at different stadiums.”
“Rotherham and Walsall have hosted a number of England development and women’s team fixtures in the past while Burton Albion and Chesterfield are fantastic venues.”

“Loughborough University is a world-renowned sports and educational establishment.”

“The tournament gives the towns and regions an opportunity to see the best young talent from across the continent and we are very much looking forward to the challenge.”


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