Visiting

Chesterfield festival of cycling to take place this summer

The annual Chesterfield Festival of Cycling is set to take place in the town this June.

Cycle Chesterfield, a local community group dedicated to promoting cycling in Chesterfield is gearing up for the event. It aims to showcase the cycle infrastructure in and around town, promote cycling as an alternative means of transport and build links across our communities.

This year’s festival runs from the 7th – 16th of June and offers a diverse range of activities designed to cater to people of all abilities and ages. From guided rides at a steady, inclusive pace exploring the town’s hidden gems to interesting talks by cycle adventurers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

One of the festival’s highlights is the Holmebrook Valley Park Cycle Funday, where families can enjoy a day of outdoor activities and games. This event not only fosters a sense of community but also encourages residents to embrace cycling as a fun and accessible recreational activity.

There will be a variety of themed, free, guided recreational rides which will demonstrate some of the cycling infrastructure in Chesterfield and the wider area, including the brand-new section of the East/West route. Rides will generally start in the town centre and will head out in a range of directions, including rides taking in Grassmoor, Holymoorside and Hollingwood. The rides will proceed at a steady, inclusive pace.

In addition to rides, the festival will be hosting a talk by author, adventurer and cyclist Emily Chappell. Emily was the first woman to finish the Transcontinental Race in 2016, has cycled across Asia from Turkey to China and has authored two books about her exploits.

Moreover, the festival serves as a platform to showcase Chesterfield’s cycling culture. From taster sessions for adapted bikes for disabled adults to BMXers showcasing their skills at Ringwood Park to an exploration of some of the town’s public art on the Art Trail ride, the festival celebrates the diversity and vibrancy of the local cycling community.

Cycle Chesterfield has been a driving force behind numerous initiatives aimed at improving cycling infrastructure and awareness in the area. Through lobbying efforts and community outreach programs, the group continues to push for safer streets and better cycling amenities, not only improving the quality of life for residents but also contributing to a greener, more resilient future for our community.

You can find out more about the festival and cycle chesterfield online: Facebook – CycleFestChesterfield & CycleChesterfield or via the website – https://cyclechesterfield.org/

Find out more about cycling in Chesterfield here, and to discover great events taking place in our area, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/events/

Two boys on bmx bikes going round a sloped corner

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

Chair’s Blog: Showing pride in Chesterfield’s beautiful green spaces

We are so proud of our local area; from the wonderful people who live and work here to the historic charm and architecture of our town centre and the beautiful landscapes surrounding it.

This April, I wanted to highlight some of the achievements of our communities, as well as encouraging everyone in our town to keep working together to make Chesterfield a brilliant place to live and work.

Picturesque parks

Our tremendous open spaces, such as Queen’s Park, Holmebrook Valley Park and the Chesterfield Canal continue to win awards for their unique natural landscapes, which of course is helped by the dedicated teams of people whose continuing hard work helps to maintain these areas for us all to enjoy. It’s great to see that further tree planting is taking place at a few parks across Chesterfield too; keep your eyes on the Chesterfield website for further updates!

Chesterfield Canal Paddlespots 2

Proximity to the Peak District

If you travel just 10 minutes or so out of town, you’re transported to the breathtaking beauty of the world-famous Peak District National Park – perfect for a weekend stroll or even an activity that gets the heart racing a bit more such as rock climbing, caving, or cycling.

It was fantastic to hear that our town has been named the best in the UK for access to green spaces. The average distance to the nearest park, public garden or playing field is less than 300 metres, and 95% of our town’s homes and flats have private outdoor space. Again, this is something we should be so proud of, and one of many reasons why people love living here.

Building our communities

Given this backdrop it is no surprise that we are seeing a rapid increase in the number of people looking to move here. Just last year, local estate agent Redbrik reported an almost 200% increase in online searches for properties in Chesterfield, with more people keen to benefit from the fantastic quality of life our town offers.

Bearing this in mind, let’s celebrate Earth Day 2024 this April by continuing to look after our small corner of the planet, and making sure we are showing plenty of love for our beautiful town and county.

There is no doubt in my mind that we all play our part in keeping Chesterfield a beautiful place to live. From helping to keep our town clean and tidy, to telling those who don’t know about our town how much you enjoy living here!

It could be as simple as mentioning a family walk you enjoyed, or even an outdoor event you loved. You could even share a photo or two of your experiences on social media using #LoveChesterfield and tagging in one of the Chesterfield UK channels. The more we show Chesterfield in a positive light, the more attractive the town becomes to others, which can only be a good thing for our high streets and our communities.

Family enjoying nature and supporting their wellbeing in queens park

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Chesterfield entrepreneur sets up new Derbyshire wellness retreats company

A new wellness retreats business has been launched in Derbyshire by a Chesterfield-based entrepreneur. Bliss Retreats has been launched with the help of a start-up loan from the British Business Bank.

Director Jo Jepson spent most of her childhood and teenage years adventuring in the Peak District, where her love of the landscape and calmness of nature gave her the self-healing tools to manage all of life’s ups and downs.

Having worked at senior levels in the charity sector for over 20 years she decided to launch her own business, with the ambition to create family-run business, creating a legacy for her own sons and grandson.

Bliss retreats fosters mindfulness and wellbeing retreats, workshops and we have plans to deliver corporate away days, to reset and recharge your mind, body and spirit.

The passion and vision of all of of the retreats is driven through harnessing the power of nature to recentre, rebalance, rejuvenating minds, achieving better health and wellbeing.

Jo said: “Bliss Retreats works in partnership with expert practitioners and therapists, and together the business creates a safe and joyful space, providing grounding and relief to people from all walks of life who may be experiencing poor mental wellbeing, feeling overwhelmed by life or just looking to balance out their hectic lifestyles with some “me time”.

“Using various practices such as yoga, breath work, sound healing, mindfulness, meditation, crystal healing, reiki, forest bathing and taking time immersed in nature, we strive to deliver a safe and welcoming space that encourages transformation, connectedness and wellbeing.”

Find out more about the business at: www.Bliss-retreats.com

The Start Up Loans programme helps people start or grow their businesses and is part of the government-owned British Business Bank’s remit to making finance markets work better for smaller businesses. They can borrow up to £25,000 at a fixed interest rate of 6% per annum and repay the loan over one to five years. The programme also provides 12 months of free business mentoring.

If you would like to learn more about Start Up Loans support, visit: https://www.startuploans.co.uk/

To find out more about business support initiatives available here in Chesterfield, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/

Jo Jepson Bliss retreats

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, Visiting

Full lineup confirmed for Chesterfield Pride 2024

The full lineup of acts has been confirmed for the 2024 Chesterfield Pride Festival at Stand Road Park, with Liberty X confirmed as the headliner.

Taking place on Sunday, July 21st, this year’s event will see two stages packed with chart topping stars, including singer/ rapper Amelle, formerly part of the iconic Sugababes.

Also appearing is Clubland’s most successful artist Kelly Llorenna who has over 15 top 40 singles to her name, and is best known for the massive anthem “Set You Free”.

The Main Stage will also see performances from ’80s heart throb Nathan Moore from Brother Beyond, ’00s pop legends The Cheeky Girls and will be headlined by the incredible Liberty X who have been kindly sponsored by East Midlands Designer Outlet.

The Kranlee Cabaret Stage will be headlined by the outrageous Kitty Scott Claus from RuPaul’s Drag Race. Also from Drag Race, the super talented Scarlett Harlett will appear at the event.

The Cabaret Stage will also see arguably the world’s best Lady Gaga tribute Donna Marie, who has performed across the globe as Gaga. International Drag Queens KY Kelly and Miss Penny have also been confirmed to perform. There will also be some fantastic local unsigned artists including Mill, Darlin Trio and Lexi Whiteside taking to the stage.

Organiser Dan Walker says: “The team and I are really proud of how the event has grown in recent years and this line up is one of our most exciting to date. To have this caliber of artists perform at the event is testament to the amazing support the event has received in the last few years.

“We are passionate about the event being community driven and we believe the event is fantastic value. We love welcoming new attendees every year.”

Tickets are £7 (+booking fee) if bought in advance. Under 16’s are free entry but must be accompanied with an adult. There are a limited amount of WILDES VIP passes remaining. Tickets available through Skiddle or by visiting chesterfieldpride.co.uk

Find out more about some of the great events and activities coming up in Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/events/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

New skills programmes launched to help get people back into work and advance their careers

Companies in Chesterfield will be able to benefit from a number of upskilling programmes, which will help to boost their organisations and reduce skills gaps.

A range of new skills programmes that aim to help people living in Chesterfield get back into work, access new career opportunities and boost their skills in their current roles are being launched by Chesterfield Borough Council and delivered by partners including Workpays, DBC Training and Workers Education Association.

The range of courses includes programmes that businesses can sign up for but also courses that people who are currently out of work can individually sign up for.

For individuals looking to develop skills to progress towards and into work, Workpays are offering a work readiness and digital inclusion programme from the 1 April to be delivered from a variety of community settings.

Businesses in the borough will be able to benefit from a number of upskilling programmes provided by DBC Training, including a range of Microsoft short courses that will address workplace digital skills gaps and increase productivity.

Specialist care training provider, Workers Education Association will be providing fully funded digital skills training to support people working in the care sector progress their careers.

Funding for the programmes has been provided through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council’s leader and cabinet member for economic growth, said: “These are targeted programmes that will help ensure our residents can get the skills they need to access career opportunities and progress in our borough. These programmes form a key part of our skills action plan, which seeks to ensure that everyone can benefit from a growing local economy.

“As part of our skills action plan we work closely with businesses and these programmes aim to provide the skills they need to grow. I’d encourage local business owners to see if these programmes are suitable for them and get in touch as soon as possible to sign up.

“However, we’ve ensured that there is support available for everyone and our work readiness and digital inclusion programme will be run in the community and residents who are seeking employment will be able to sign up directly for these or sign up through their work coach.”

Workpays will be running a work readiness and digital inclusion programme. This will be hosted in community venues across the borough and will help people to develop employability and basic skills that will help them to join the workforce. They will also provide some basic digital skills and access to ICT equipment.

Workers Education Association will be working in care sector businesses to provide their employees with the digital skills they need to progress in the sector.

DBC Training will be providing a digital upskilling programme for businesses. This will allow employees to work through a range of digital courses designed to help them improve their skills, increase productivity and advance their careers.

Further training programmes focussed on green and digital skills for businesses and science, technology, engineering and mathematics will be launched later this year.

The new skills programmes are just one of a range of projects and initiatives which is being funded through the UKSPF, after the council was successful in securing £2.6 million from the Government. It will fund initiatives, until 2025, which are designed to improve life for local people and support local businesses.

Want to receive regular skills updates? Sign up for our skills and employability newsletter to be informed of the latest news, events, initiatives and showcases taking place in the local community: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/skills/skills-and-employability-newsletter-signup/.

Workpays and DBC Training support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Nibe business

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Home, Made in Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

More than 1,000 runners take part in Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K

The Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K has been hailed a great success by organisers, with more than 1,000 runners taking part.

The event returned to Queen’s Park on Sunday 24th March for the first time since the event was moved to March from its previous October date.

Philip Nind was the first to cross the 10k finish line with a time of 00:35:36, with Hayley Gill the first female to finish in a new course record time of 00:37:30 beating her old course record time by over 10 seconds.

The oldest participant in the event was Dave Onion aged 83, and Jayden Peace was the youngest at 15.

Harry Hewitt and Molly Bayliss were the first boy and girl across the line in the Veezu Fun Run, which returned for another year and took place within the boundaries of Queen’s Park in tandem with the main event.

14 organisations also took part in the Pronto Paints Wellbeing Challenge, a team entry into the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K’s weekend of events.

This year’s event saw the inaugural Nuzest Chesterfield 5K Challenge take place on Saturday 23 March. Situated within the boundaries of Queen’s Park, the winner of the event was Louie Jenkinson. Charlie Parker aged just 8 completed the Challenge also.

The event also helped raise thousands of pounds for good causes, with an estimated circa £30K pledged for charities selected by the runners from across the region including the 10K’s charity partners – Redbrik Foundation, Ashgate Hospice, Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice and Cavendish Cancer Care.

Following the event, John Timms, Event Director of the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K said: “Following a brief hiatus, it’s been fantastic to see the return of the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k to Queen’s Park.

“Ever since we first launched the event in 2020, our goal has always been to create a fantastic experience for participants that benefited the local community and generate much-needed funds for our partner charities. The people of Chesterfield really turned out, there were so many people who turned out to cheer on the runners all around the race route which was amazing.

“We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has helped ensure that the event came together, including our event partners, sponsors and of course the runners who took on the course on the day.

“I also want to say a huge thank you to all the volunteer marshals who gave up their free time on a Sunday morning to assist the runners, help the public and keep everything running smoothly.

“The patience from the people of Chesterfield who are most affected by the road disruptions is greatly appreciated and we thank them for their understanding throughout the day.

“The money raised by this event will help good causes like the Redbrik Foundation, Ashgate Hospice, Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, Cavendish Cancer Care, and other charities to continue their fantastic work in the local community.”

David Cooper, Trustee of headline sponsor the Redbrik Foundation said: “It’s been yet another fantastic Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K.

“Every year it’s such a great atmosphere with spectators lining the streets of the town centre and beautiful Queen’s Park showing their support for all the runners.

“It’s important to have events such as the Chesterfield 10K and everyone at Redbrik are more than happy to support. As a business with a significant presence in the town, it’s great to help showcase the town as people come from all parts of the country to support, contribute or take part.”

Redbrik 10k

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

Creating contemporary spaces in Chesterfield and Staveley town centres

New artist’s impressions have been revealed as two major regeneration schemes in Chesterfield and Staveley take milestone steps to transform our town centres into contemporary spaces.

Work to revamp Chesterfield town centre including our historic market place begins this summer Chesterfield Borough Council has announced.

The Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project will transform the look, feel and flow of key public spaces. The project has already seen work begin on the refurbishment of our town’s iconic Stephenson Memorial Hall, and improvements to Packers Row.

A new layout has been confirmed for Market Square – making it easier for shoppers to explore, with modernised stalls complemented with vibrant new canopies in heritage colours and the historic Town Pump a unique feature.

New layout for Chesterfield Market with contemporary stalls, heritage colours, Market Hall in the background, town pump a feature

Market Square Chesterfield – artist’s impression

New Square will become a more flexible space designed to support the main market and speciality markets and host festivals and events to bring our town centre to life.

Rykneld Square will become a green space where we can enjoy our much-loved Crooked Spire, and better connect this landmark to the town centre.

Imaginative new lighting will be installed at Spire Walk, enhancing the appearance of our iconic Crooked Spire at night, and creating a more attractive link into Rykneld Square.

Improved paving and lighting will revamp Corporation Street – a key entrance from Chesterfield Railway Station to Chesterfield Museum and the Pomegranate Theatre.

In Staveley, formal plans have been submitted for a new landmark building between Staveley Miners Welfare building and Staveley High Street.

The plans are a key part of the £6 million Staveley 21 project, which will transform the marketplace to support the hosting of new events, provide new tiered seating for outdoor theatre and open-air cinema screenings, and create natural play equipment for families. The scheme also includes better connections to Chesterfield Canal, improved lighting and a greener town centre.

The new building aims to reflect Staveley’s heritage with a modern twist, opening the view from Market Street into the town centre.

Several uses for the building are currently being considered including as a potential site for Staveley library or for retail, leisure, and business start-up uses.

Illustrated red brick pavilion building in Staveley town centre, Chesterfield

Staveley 21 Pavilion Building – artist’s impression

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said:

“The Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project will be completed in phases and is due for completion in 2025.

“We have a strong track record of making the most of external funding opportunities to invest in the future of our borough, and through projects like the Revitalising the Heart of Project this work will bring real improvements for the residents and businesses of our town, while boosting our appeal to visitors.”

Speaking about Staveley, Councillor Sarvent said:

“Town centres are changing and by trying to expand the offer, creating new opportunities for events and social spaces we want to boost visitor numbers and provide the space for local businesses to thrive.

“We’ll continue to engage directly with local businesses and residents over the coming months to finalise the plans and ensure the project meets their needs, including hosting more drop-in sessions for residents.”

The pavilion building has been designed by Chesterfield firm, Whittam Cox Architects. Ryan Fish, Associate Director at Whittam Cox Architects, said:

“Our team has meticulously developed the Pavilion building as part of the Staveley centre masterplan with utmost care and consideration. This project presented us with a unique opportunity to influence a scheme close to home, drawing on our intricate knowledge of the local area. The result is a contemporary development that not only honours Staveley’s heritage but also serves as a catalyst and hub of activity for future development, aligning with the long-term vision for the area.”

Ivan Fomin, Chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “The Staveley 21 project has the potential to be transformative for the town centre, ensuring that it is a place where local people and visitors will want to spend time whilst also supporting local businesses to grow not only now but in the future. Our aim through the town deal is ensuring that Staveley is a place where people can Start, Stay and Grow and the town centre reflects this with something to entice all ages to visit, support local businesses and help them to grow.”

Pavilion building with clock surrounded by plants and modern market at Staveley

View from Staveley High Street – artist’s impression

The Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project will be completed in phases and is due for completion in 2025.

The Staveley area is benefitting from £25.2m worth of government funding through the Town Deal, which must be spent by March 2026.

Find out more about shopping and town centre experiences coming soon to Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/

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

Chesterfield Children’s Festival set to welcome families for more fun in Queen’s Park this July

Organisers have confirmed that the Chesterfield Children’s Festival will return to Queen’s Park on the 27th and 28th of July.

This year’s event is being organised with the help of local young people and will include live movie sets, catwalks, an aerial workshop for babies and family life drawing!

The free event organised by Junction Arts and funded by Arts Council England, is a two-day festival for families that celebrates the joy of childhood, imagination and play.

Last year over 8,000 families attended the event, with over 4,000 children participating in the activities, which ranged from yoga classes to tie-dye workshops! Other highlights of the weekend included live music, comedy for kids, silent disco walking tours, theatre, Chinese storytelling and actual reality arcade games. The event attracted thousands of tourists from outside of the town, bringing over 3,500 people into Chesterfield.

New for 2024 is the Project Producers; a group of volunteers aged between 15-20 years of age that are advising and helping to plan the festival alongside Junction Arts. The group was formed earlier this year, and the idea is to give young people in Chesterfield an opportunity to have their say and develop some event planning skills.

This year’s event will take place on the first weekend of the summer holidays, 10 am – 4 pm each day. The festival is completely free, no booking is required, and visitors can turn up on the day to enjoy the activities.

The full festival line-up will be announced in June but acts confirmed so far include; Block Buster Factory, an award-winning immersive street show, where members of the public get to be part of a live movie set! There will also be an interactive family catwalk, family life drawing workshops and Take Flight – an aerial workshop for babies and their grown-ups!

To make the festival more accessible, Junction Arts has enlisted the help of RevoLOOtion, which provides mobile vehicles that enable disabled children and adults to use the toilet or be changed with dignity and respect, the RevoLOOtion service helps to break down barriers that often exclude them from participating in activities and events.

Jemma Burton, Project Coordinator from Junction Arts said: “We had an amazing response to the festival last year and I’m delighted that we are bringing it back to Chesterfield this summer. We’re also excited to have our Project Producers working with us this year, the group of young people are helping us to shape the festival by sharing their thoughts and experiences, as well as volunteering to plan and manage parts of the event. It’s great to have some youthful energy and creativity in the team!

“The full line-up is still being worked on, but I can say that we’ll have lots of creative activities for children of all ages to get involved in, plus some amazing live entertainment – we can’t wait to see you there.”

For further information visit: www.junctionarts.org or follow @junctionartuk on social media.

Find out more about fabulous family events coming soon to Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/events/

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

Chesterfield Childrens Festival 2023 web (44 of 100)

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

Action packed 1940s Market returns to Chesterfield next month

The fun-filled 1940s market returns to Chesterfield next month – with a wide range of free entertainment on offer for the whole family to enjoy.

The hugely popular event will bring 1940s music, live entertainment, classic cars and military vehicles to the heart of the town centre on Thursday 11 April between 10am and 4pm.

Visitors will also be able to see the return of the iconic replica spitfire, as the must-see attraction returns to Rykneld Square for the first time since 2021.

Street performers will take centre stage through the day, including the Kalamazoo dance band and The Daisy Belles singers – both back again this year by popular demand, alongside other entertainers.

The action-packed event is taking place alongside the weekly flea market, and as always market traders will be dressing up in 1940s outfits to try and win the competition for the best dressed stall holders.

The team from Chesterfield Museum will also be joined by staff from Up An At Em History, who will be able to share more information about life on the home front and food rationing. There will also be the opportunity to explore the era handling objects and get involved with some crafting.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The 1940s Market is a really popular event that is enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.

“I’d definitely recommend coming along if you haven’t been before, as there is sure to be something here to entertain the whole family during half term. You could even get into the spirit and dress up in traditional 1940s outfits too!

“The event has grown to such popularity thanks to its close ties with our much-loved Thursday flea market, and people travel to Chesterfield from all over the country to take part in this unique day. With it taking place in the Easter holidays many people love to come along as a family holiday activity.”

The event is part-funded by external funding from Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). It is just one initiative which is benefiting from funding through the UKSPF, after the council was successful in securing £2.6m. It will fund initiatives up to April 2025, which are designed to improve life for local people and support local businesses.

1940s Mining display

The full programme of entertainment can be found below:

New Square (opposite the Portland Hotel)

• Kalamazoo Dance Band: 11am to 11.45am , 1pm to 1.45pm and 2.30pm to 3.15pm

Outside Etienne Curtains and Blinds

• The Daisy Belles (singers): 10.15am to 10:45am, 12.15pm to 12.45pm and 1.45pm to 2.15pm

Market Place

• Display of classic cars, vintage fire engine and military vehicles: 10am to 4pm
• Land Army and 1940s Mining display: 10am to 4pm
• Escape artist / glass walker: 10.45am to 11.10am, 1pm –to 1.25pm and 3pm to 3.25pm

Market Square (outside Santander)

• Natasha Harper (singer): 10.30am to 11am, 12.10pm to 12.40pm and 1.30pm to 2.00pm
• Kyle Evans (singer): 11.20am to 11.50am, 1pm to 1.30pm and 2.10pm to 2.40pm
• Shire Horses: 11am to 1pm

Pavements Shopping Centre (outside old Massarella’s Unit)

Between 10am and 4pm the team from Chesterfield Museum will be joined by Up An At Em History.

• Find out about life on the Home Front, what was on the ration and how we kept Britain fed from the gardens and kitchens of Britain
• From the Land Girls and cooks feeding the nation, find out about rationing and have a go at making some basic “mock” foods
• Plant a seed to take away
• Try your hand at milking and learn the way the Land Girls did
• Explore World War II handling objects
• Take part in crafting sessions and view exhibition panels

Rykneld Square (outside the Visitor Information Centre)

• Full size replica Spitfire: available to see between 10am and 4pm
• Jayne Darling (singer): 10am to 10.40am, 11.30am – 12.10pm and 2pm to 2.40pm
• Johnny Victory (singer): 10.45am to 11.15am, 1.10pm to 1.40pm and 3pm to 3.30pm

St. Mary and All Saints Church (Crooked Spire)

Tower Tours: 10.30am to 11.30pm and 2.30pm to 3.30pm

Tickets prices at £10 for adults, £5 for under 16s or a family ticket (two adults and two under 16s) for £20

Kalamazoo Dance Band entertaining the crowd at the 1940s market

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

Popular family-friendly Tractor Fest to return to Hasland this April

From mini tractor driving to antique tractors on display, a family fun day is returning to Derbyshire this spring, with kids able to attend for free.

Tractor Fest will take place on Sunday 28th April from 10am until 3pm at the Storforth Lane Trading Estate in Hasland, Chesterfield.

There will be a huge collection of tractors on display as well as fun activities, including mini fire engine rides, soft play, a climbing wall and more. The event, which is organised by Ashgate Hospice, costs £3 for adults and is free for children aged 11 and under – and tickets must be purchased in advance.

All proceeds from Tractor Fest will help fund vital care for patients and families who need the care of the hospice. Attending the event will help Ashgate fund care for families like Mick Richmond’s, whose wife of 55 years Glennis Richmond received care on the hospice’s Inpatient Unit.

Glennis, from Chesterfield, died in December 2022, aged 75, months after being diagnosed with cancer. Mick said: “We didn’t know really what to expect – whether it’d be doom and gloom or sad, but everyone was smiling and happy.

“I was amazed that all the staff and volunteers said hello as I walked down the corridors. The room was like a hotel room with a different bed. Glennis was happy.

“The nurses and healthcare assistants were just brilliant. They knew straight away how to get Glennis’ pain under control, and soon after she was able to sit up and talk.

“They did everything for us and were just so caring – we couldn’t have asked for more. The hospice allows you to go peacefully.”

The charity must raise £9 million each year so it can continue providing palliative and end of life care to people across North Derbyshire. The event will take place between 10am and 3pm. Its location can be found by searching S41 0QD into your satnav.

Jack Wood, Deputy Director of Income Generation at Ashgate Hospice, said: “We are delighted to be bringing Tractor Fest back to Chesterfield this April.

“Last year was a huge success and we were proud to welcome so many families from across Derbyshire.

“This year promises to be just as much fun, with something for all the family. Whether you’re a self-confessed tractor enthusiast or looking for a way to keep the kids entertained, there’ll be plenty on offer to keep you covered.”

Any owners of tractors or other farming vehicles who would like to showcase their vehicles are invited to contact the hospice’s events team at events@ashgatehospice.org.uk or on 01246 567250 to arrange this. To book your tickets to Ashgate Hospice’s Tractor Fest head to www.ashgatehospice.org.uk/tractor-fest

Alternatively, supporters can contact the hospice’s fundraising team on events@ashgatehospice.org.uk or by calling 01246 567250.

To find out more about great local events taking place in Chesterfield, and more great ways to spend time with your family in our area, head over to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/

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

Mum and son playing on a tractor at Ashgate Hospice's Tractor Fest

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Conference urges business growth and collaboration to boost Chesterfield’s economy

Businesses in Chesterfield are being encouraged to explore ways in which they can grow, as part of ambitious plans to improve the town’s economy and create higher-value jobs for residents.

Speakers at Destination Chesterfield’s annual Celebrate Chesterfield Business Conference highlighted ways in which local businesses can harness support to innovate and create new jobs.

They also identified that if all organisations in the town currently categorised as ‘low growth’ experienced just a 1% uplift, it would significantly boost the local economy.

Helping businesses to grow and ensuring people have the right skills are key objectives of Chesterfield Borough Council’s Growth Strategy (2023-2027). To support this, delegates at Celebrate Chesterfield heard from businesses which are innovating and overcoming challenges to boost growth.

Mike Isherwood, Managing Director of event headline sponsor, System Q explained how his business has evolved and adapted to become a supplier to major organisations, including the Ministry of Defence: “We are committed to providing our customers with the most innovative and advanced technology, ensuring their safety and security at all times.

“Our company is proud to be a part of the thriving high-tech community in Chesterfield, a town known for its innovation and progress. Despite the common belief that the best firms and talent are found in larger cities, this quaint town is home to a wealth of undiscovered talent.”

Ash Young, Managing Director of CarMats.co.uk recently relocated his business to the town.

He said: “If we hadn’t done things differently, we wouldn’t have seen the growth that we have. When we set up the business we were aiming for 100 orders per day, but because we changed the way we marketed the products, we are now shipping around 150,000 orders per year and we’re going to turn over about £7.5m this year.

“We’ve managed to hire a really skilled team in Chesterfield and the transport links mean it’s easy for us to get out to couriers easily.”

Amy Revell, of We Are Spaces Ltd recently expanded her business into larger office space at the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre, having initially moved into the development last year.

She said: “We currently turn over around £7m and have 15 employees, and we are rapidly growing. Chesterfield has played a big part in our growth – we have a lovely office space here which we managed to grow from one of the smaller suites into a larger one. We’ve managed to recruit really good people in the area, and we are strategically placed really well. Being so central has allowed us to grow all of our core services nationally.”

At the conference, Destination Chesterfield also launched its ambitious new strategy and plan, which outlines the partnership’s aims to attract further inward investment, support businesses to grow and encourage more people to visit the town.

Peter Swallow, Destination Chesterfield Chair, commented: “This plan reflects our town’s ambition, and where we collectively see the biggest growth opportunities. Recent research has identified 26% of revenues from tourism, inward investment and talent growth are shaped by people’s perception of a town or city.  Meaning our collective work to promote the town are vital to achieving the towns growth aspirations.

Celebrate Chesterfield business innovation panel, Mike Isherwood, Cllr Tricia Gilby, Adam Doyle

“Since 2010, Destination Chesterfield has worked alongside Chesterfield Borough Council and Chesterfield Champions to promote the area as a contemporary destination to invest, work, live and visit, and our public-private partnership continues to play a central role in the town’s success. We must continue working together to raise the profile of Chesterfield to realise its significant potential.”

Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council added: “Celebrate is always a fantastic event that showcases the very best that our borough has to offer. It was great to be able to meet with businesses to talk about how the council can support them to grow, but also to hear from them directly and discover what else we can do to drive growth and investment.

“I was also pleased to see a strong reception the new Destination Chesterfield strategy and plan – this aligns closely with our own growth strategy and together we can help grow our local economy, attract more investment and deliver benefits for both businesses and our residents.”

The 2024 Celebrate Chesterfield Business Conference was also sponsored by Markham Vale and the University of Derby. The event also saw almost 40 businesses exhibiting across the East Midlands Chamber Business Support Zone and the Invest in Chesterfield Zone.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Property and Construction, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , , , , ,