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Well dressing tradition celebrated at RHS Chatsworth Flower Show 2018

13th February 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 26^th February. Please follow the link: https://rhsforms.formstack.com/forms/cha18_well_dressing_application to apply.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Bookings open for Chesterfield Observation Wheel

7th February 2018

Online bookings are now being taken for rides on the Chesterfield Observation Wheel ahead of its opening at the weekend.

The 60 metre high observation wheel has 40 gondolas which will give visitors stunning views of Chesterfield and the countryside of surrounding areas. Each ride lasts for 13 minutes and involves two cycles of the wheel.

The wheel has been brought to the town centre by Chesterfield Borough Council in partnership with operator Mellors Group Events and will operate daily from Saturday 10 February until Sunday 11 March.

For ticket prices including online discounts and booking information please click here.

Councillor Steve Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said: “Since the construction of the wheel began this week it has created a real stir in the town. It is already a landmark you can see for miles around.

“It is a real coup to get this ride in Chesterfield because it normally operates from big city sites.

“We are already getting really positive comments from the businesses and traders in the area who say that even during the construction they have had more customers who have been drawn in by the sight of it being built. Once the ride opens we are sure it will prove a real boost to the economy and a welcome attraction for visitors.”

James Mellors Junior, director of the Mellors Group, said: “This is our first time in Chesterfield and we are really excited to bring this wheel here. We are sure that residents and visitors will come out in large numbers to enjoy the experience.

“The 360 degree views that you can see from the top of the wheel are something special that have to be seen to be believed.

“We are even planning a special treat on Valentine’s Day when the wheel will be lit up with a red heart and lights.”

The company has installed the wheel to meet all safety standards.

James added: “This is a £5 million ride that we have been operating in some of the biggest tourist attractions in the UK and abroad since 2009, including Hyde Park for the royal wedding celebrations and the annual winter wonderland. It has been in Liverpool for the Liverpool One shopping centre opening, in London for the Olympic Games celebrations, in Leeds and in Zurich. In addition to rides like this we operate Fantasy Island at Skegness and in Dubai.

“At every site we go to our safety record is impeccable and the same team has been involved in installing the wheel in Chesterfield as has done it at all those sites.

“The wheel sits on heavy duty sleepers because that is the most suitable material to support the weight of the wheel for a cobbled area like in Chesterfield.

“Before the ride opens it has to undergo stringent safety checks and we also carry out a full range of safety checks every day before any passengers get on.”

Councillor Steve Brunt added: “Mellors Group is the biggest name in the UK outdoor attractions industry and as you would expect for a company of their stature they have carried out all the required health and safety checks, completed all the paperwork and put everything in place to ensure public safety so that everyone can just enjoy the experience.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Leisure, Visiting

Lionel Richie Announces Chesterfield Show

30th January 2018

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.

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

Chesterfield welcomes first ever visit of giant observation wheel

29th January 2018

Residents and visitors can see Chesterfield from a new perspective as a giant observation wheel takes pride of place in the market place.

The 60 metre observation wheel with 40 gondolas affords stunning views of Chesterfield even higher than the Crooked Spire.

The wheel has been brought to the town centre by Chesterfield Borough Council in partnership with operator Mellors Group events and will operate daily from Saturday 10 February until Sunday 11 March.

The wheel has previously featured in such high profile locations as Hyde Park, the London Olympic celebrations, Liverpool, Leeds and Bristol.

Councillor Steve Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said:-

“One of the council’s key commitments is to provide a thriving borough and it is very exciting that we are able to welcome this Observation wheel to Chesterfield town centre.”

A two cycle trip on the wheel takes 13 minutes allowing people plenty of time to take in the sights of the town centre and wider borough.

There is also a specially adapted disabled access gondola meaning everyone can enjoy this stunning ride. For those wanting to impress a loved one or even propose, there is also a VIP gondola with champagne.

The wheel will be open from 10am to 8pm each Sunday to Thursday and 10am to 10pm each Friday and Saturday.

Ticket prices are:

Adults £6
Concessions £5
Children (under 1.4 metres) £4

Councillor Brunt added:-

“The wheel will be open for Valentine’s Day and the last day of operation will be Mothering Sunday – and a trip to see the sights of Chesterfield will be a great way to celebrate these occasions.”

John Lowery from the Mellors Group added:-

“As the UK’s leading operator of mobile tourist attractions we are looking forward to our first visit to Chesterfield with the UK’s largest transportable wheel.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Visiting

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

25th January 2018

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

Chatsworth House Trust commissions new installation

25th January 2018

Chatsworth House Trust have commissioned Natasha Daintry to create a new installation, Sowing Colour, featuring 235 porcelain pots.

Sitting alongside artworks acquired by the Dukes of Devonshire over the last four centuries, Natasha’s installation of 235 porcelain pots introduces colour and light to the Dome Room.

Inspiration for Sowing Colour came from the garden and landscape of Chatsworth, and the house’s relationship to the word ‘culture’, in the sense of human culture, as well as the cultivation of earth and plants. Natasha was struck by the vigour of swirling plant roots in the vegetable garden and envisaged a work pulsing with energy using colour and dramatic shifts in scale. The Fibonacci sequence gave Natasha a dynamic structure to express movement through fired static pots.

Starting at the top of the installation, a mass of tiny coloured pots grow near to 1m in height at the base of the piece embodying the vigorous progression of Fibonacci’s mathematical sequence. This sequence of growth (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8 and 13) is expressed in both the dimensions of the pots as well as the height of the space they inhabit in each layer.

Natasha has developed over fifty glazes to create a riot of finely balanced coloured pots, which cascade down eight layers of shelving to radiate colour.

Natasha said of the commission:-

‘This project is my most ambitious to date and has taken almost two years to complete, involving many technical challenges of working in porcelain on this scale and collaboration with technicians and engineers. It has been a joy to make and is wonderful to see it finally installed.’

Sowing Colour by Natasha Daintry will be on public view at Chatsworth from 25 March 2018.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Visiting

Go Outdoors confirms March opening for Chesterfield store

24th January 2018

Outdoor company Go Outdoors have confirmed that their new Chesterfield store will officially open in March.

Exciting times welcoming new customers to store and will be great to introduce you to the new team that will look after you…we open Officially on the 24th March with lots of fun and activities so keep watching our feed for more info closer to the day ????

— GO Outdoors Chesterfield (@go_chesterfield) January 23, 2018

Go Outdoors follows a number of retailers to invest in the town recently including Deichmann Shoes , Trespass and Patisserie Valarie as well as a number of new independent stores.

The new store will be on Spire Walk Business Park in Chesterfield.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Development, Leisure, Visiting

Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival returns for 2018

11th January 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.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Summer, Visiting

Chatsworth Renewed marks completion of monumental 10-year restoration project

4th January 2018

2018 will see Chatsworth House and Garden presented in its full glory following the culmination of the 10-year long restoration project. The £32.7 million programme of restoration and conservation began in 2005 and is one of the largest projects undertaken at Chatsworth since 1828. A special exhibition will reveal how the work has taken place and celebrate the skills of the craftspeople who have played their part to ensure Chatsworth is preserved for many more hundreds of years.

Key dates for the diary for the 2018 season include:

Chatsworth Renewed: The house past, present and future: 24 March–21 October
Chatsworth Renewed will celebrate the house through the ages, and mark the completion of the largest restoration and conservation project ever undertaken at Chatsworth. From rebuilding the Belvedere turrets to replacing vast tracts of lead on the roof, and from carving the tiniest details in stone to replacing huge blocks in the walls; over the last decade Chatsworth has seen a monumental effort by teams of skilled men and women. Discover hidden stories and forgotten features as revealed through the insights of the skilled people involved, past and present. Explore conservation in action and understand how much care and effort goes into even the smallest piece of work. Finally, look forward to the future to explore what’s in store for the next 100 years.

Linder Sterling Exhibition: 24 March–21 October
Award-winning artist Linder Sterling has spent several months over winter 2017 immersing herself in the life of the Chatsworth Estate as the inaugural artist-in-residence. As well as creating a new image bank for future photo montages to take Chatsworth ‘out into the world’, some of the pieces created during her residency will go on display at Chatsworth.

Easter Eggstravaganza: 24 March-8 April
Spread throughout the house, garden and farmyard, there’s something for visitors of all ages to enjoy throughout the Easter holidays at Chatsworth. Along with the hugely popular Easter egg hunts taking place in the farmyard throughout Easter weekend, Eggspress Trailer rides and hands-on craft activities, the garden will be bursting with new life.

Dodson & Horrell Chatsworth International Horse Trials: 11–13 May
World-class competition, from elegant dressage and exciting show jumping to gripping cross country combine with entertainment for all the family in the beautiful surroundings of Chatsworth for three days of thrilling world-class equestrian action.

RHS Chatsworth Flower Show: 6–10 June
The newest show from the RHS returns to Chatsworth for the second year and blends tradition with unexpected, innovative design all set in an unforgettable location. Wednesday 6 June is exclusive for RHS members. Advance day tickets starting from £33.50 are now on sale for 2018. Accompanied children under 16 get in free.

Chatsworth Country Fair: 31 August–2 September
The Chatsworth Country Fair is one of England’s most spectacular annual outdoor events. Held in the park, it attracts large crowds from all over the country. With a packed programme of grand ring entertainment, a cookery theatre and fine food village, there’s lots to see and do. Visitors will be spoilt for choice with military bands, stunt teams and aerobatics displays galore as well as the chance to have a go at a myriad of heritage country sports. There is also a packed offer for the younger members of the family, and not forgetting four-legged friends too!

Art Out Loud: 21–23 September
The Chatsworth Festival – Art Out Loud returns in 2018 for its fourth edition with talks by speakers from across the world of art.

Halloween: 27 October–4 November
Lurking around every corner at Chatsworth are spooktacular surprises for all ages this Halloween from Fright Flights to an abandoned coal tunnel.

Bonfire and fireworks: 2–3 November
One of the Midlands’ biggest and best firework displays for adults and children alike returns to Chatsworth for two nights, along with lighting of the bonfire, a children’s firework display and a grand finale firework display.

Christmas in the House: 10 November–6 January 2019
The house will be transformed for Christmas once again with beautiful festive decorations; show-stopping fir trees and twinkly lights. The theme for 2018 will be announced in September 2018.

Christmas Markets: 16 November-4 December
Set on Lodge Hill, the Chatsworth Christmas Market offers one of the best festive shopping experiences, with lots of artisan gifts and premium food and drink on offer.

For more information, please visit www.chatsworth.org

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

New soft play comes to North Derbyshire

20th December 2017

Matlock Farm Park has recently opened its brand new Rainforest soft play.

The new all year round facilities are an indoor place of adventure in a Rainforest, with a new cafe lounge in the ruins of an Inca temple. It has an underwater themed soft play area for the toddlers with an interactive eye spy panel.

The Rainforest also has two new rooms for use with birthday parties and as classrooms.

Admission to the facilities are included with the entry fee to the Farm Park.

A Matlock Farm Park spokesperson said ” We needed to make Matlock Farm Park more of a 12 month facility, this new barn provides a warm dry area for those cold rainy days. Also we have the new Ark, where we will winter some of our animals are housed and there for a visit.”

“The Farm Park Vision, was to create an indoor play/learning centre, incorporating an overflow café with two classrooms.”

The new facilities were part funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Christmas, Leisure, Visiting

Spireites shortlisted for national award

1st December 2017

Chesterfield have been shortlisted for a national award to recognise the club that is the most welcoming to away supporters.

The Spireites are up against Southampton, Swansea City, Fulham, Cardiff City and Burton Albion for The Football Supporters’ Federation’s Away Day of the Year award.

A survey asked fans to score their away day based on a number of factors such as access, safety and security, the view, plus their overall experience.

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

“We are delighted to be in the running for this award. We are proud of the facilities we offer and we try our best to make it an enjoyable experience for all away supporters who visit the Proact.

“There is a cafe and a children’s play centre in the HUB and away supporters are encouraged to use these facilities. Away supporters receive a friendly welcome when they visit the cafe for a pre-match snack.

“The HUB, which is managed by the Chesterfield FC Community Trust, also features a Changing Places area for people with disabilities. The Proact is one of the few stadiums in the country to boast such a facility.”

A Carlisle United fan recently contacted the club to praise the staff in the ticket office and the matchday stewards for their help. He explained that they went out of their way to ensure that his young daughter, who has a disability, had an enjoyable, stress-free experience.

“I have followed Carlisle for over 40 years and the matchday experience must rank as amongst the best I have experienced at an ‘away’ ground,” he wrote. “I can’t speak highly enough of everyone we encountered.

“Your staff helped make the whole experience, which could have been quite stressful considering my daughter’s circumstances, very positive and left all of us with an excellent impression of Chesterfield FC. They were a credit to themselves and to the club.”

The club will be represented at the FSF Awards event next Monday night, which is being held at The Pavilion at The Tower of London.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting