Visiting

Forge Bakehouse opens tasty new location in Chesterfield town centre

1st July 2024

A new bakery and cafe is opening its doors in Chesterfield town centre, offering artisan breads, pastries and more tasty treats.

Sheffield’s Forge Bakehouse is continuing its expansion with the launch of a new location in The Pavements Shopping Centre.

Forge Bakehouse already has shops and cafes in Sheffield’s Abbeydale, Beauchief, Lodge Moor and Dronfield as well as an outlet at the Forum in Sheffield city centre and at Sheffield Station.

Having achieved success in the city, the bakery has invested in a new location here in Chesterfield.

“Having established ourselves successfully in Sheffield, we felt the time was right for expansion and recognised there is demand for our range of products in North East Derbyshire,” said Forge Bakehouse owner Liva Guest.

“The core of our success is the continued use of the finest quality ingredients and a team of fantastic chefs, bakers and baristas.

“Dronfield proved extremely popular with customers as soon as we opened at the Civic Centre and Chesterfield is just as successful.

“Chesterfield is such a vibrant and welcoming traditional shopping centre and our visitors are already enjoying the opportunity to call in at Forge Bakehouse for a break.

“The location we have selected within the Pavements Shopping Centre is convenient and extremely attractive and makes a welcome addition to our portfolio.”

Forge Bakehouse produces an acclaimed range of artisan breads, pastries, sandwiches and savouries at its Abbeydale bakery which are sold through the company’s shops and are also available for weddings, corporate events, markets and meetings.

The cafes have also established a strong reputation for their range of coffees and teas, with a team of experiences baristas making regular innovative additions to their offer.

At the same time, the addition of new savoury lines like the Forge Bakehouse melted cheese croissant has increased the brand’s popularity as both an eat-in and take-out destination.

To find out more about Forge Bakehouse and its full range of products and services visit www.forgebakehouse.co.uk

Nick Hogan, Destination Chesterfield Board Member, stated: “We are excited to see Forge Bakehouse investing in our town centre. Chesterfield is an excellent location for investment, offering a vibrant community, a deep historical heritage, and great connectivity.

“The town’s blend of modern conveniences and traditional charm creates a perfect environment for businesses to succeed and develop.”

Chesterfield is home to many independent cafes, restaurants and bars serving up a range of cuisines and tasty treats. Find out more about eating out in our town here.

Chesterfield Escape Rooms to launch sequel to popular Rob the Bank game

26th June 2024

Town centre visitor attraction, Chesterfield Escape Rooms is set to launch a new game, which follows on from one of its most popular experiences.

Those familiar with the Rob the Bank game will get the chance to continue the adventure, with Rob the Bank 2 set to launch later this summer.

To build the exciting new game, the attraction has worked alongside fellow Chesterfield Champion business, FWD Motion to sustainably design the new room.

Chesterfield Escape Rooms chose FWD Motion to help eliminate single-use plastics and implement an effective upcycling initiative across their organisation.

Nick Hogan, Owner of Chesterfield Escape Rooms, explained: “As a small business it can be difficult to build effective sustainable strategies, but when we decided to create a new set of escape rooms, we placed sustainability at the forefront of our thought process. We didn’t want to simply rip and replace – it was a case of considering what we could recycle, and most importantly, upcycle.”

In search of an alternative solution to business-as-usual, Hogan approached FWD Motion. He commented: “We have had a working relationship with FWD for over 3 years, and in a recent account meeting we heard about their ability to print directly to MDF fire-rated board – which is the material we use for all our structural game build work. Realising we could print over and upcycle our old boards completely transformed our design process, and we quickly got to work with FWD’s creative team to produce the visual effects we needed. We’re delighted with the results!”

FWD Motion’s recent investment in a new sustainable printer enables them to print directly to board. Unlike solvent-based inks, its UV ink technology eliminates the need for vinyl and laminates – reducing single-use plastic consumption and ensuring a longer lifespan for their vibrant print solutions.

“Printing directly to board is a massive step forward for many businesses like Chesterfield Escape Rooms, who regularly rely on bespoke designs and installations to keep their experience up to date,” said David Whiteley, Director of FWD Motion. “By using our new sustainable printing technology, Chesterfield Escape Rooms managed to save approximately 66 metres of vinyl and 66 metres of laminate – and it doesn’t stop there. Now, when their rooms next need updating, we can take the same boards and print over them again and again.”

Chesterfield Escape Rooms and FWD Motion are keen to continue working together and are already discussing joint projects for the future.

Whiteley concluded: “We are incredibly pleased to have supported Nick and the team at Chesterfield Escape Rooms over recent years and are now even happier to help them achieve their sustainability goals. By reprinting and reusing the same MDF boards and wall graphics, we can help them prevent unnecessary waste in landfills and drive a more environmentally responsible future.”

Speaking in more detail about what people can expect from Rob the Bank 2, Nick Hogan added: “This is a change of business model for us because this game will be able to support up to 12 players rather than six. This new game will require a minimum of four players.

“You’ve got to keep things as fresh as they possibly can, but there are huge amounts of work undertaken to change an Escape Room. This particular build will take around three months, but we will continue to keep things fresh in the coming years. We’ve had in excess of 30,000 players since opening three years ago, but I can say to all players that this new game will be bigger and better than anything we have done before!”

Booking will soon be available for the new game on the Chesterfield Escape Rooms website: https://www.chesterfieldescaperooms.co.uk/

Chesterfield Escape Rooms and FWD Motion support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in chesterfield business news, chesterfield escape rooms, chesterfield news, Chesterfield visitor attractions, things to do in Chesterfield

Record number of walkers take on Ashgate Hospice Sparkle Night Walk

24th June 2024

A record-breaking number of walkers lit up the streets of Chesterfield for Ashgate Hospice’s annual Sparkle Night Walk event.

More than 3,400 supporters stepped out for the return of the charity’s biggest fundraiser, sponsored by NOCN Group, on Saturday 22^nd June.

Walkers have already helped raise £220,000 to help fund end of life care in North Derbyshire, and the charity said it hopes to see the figure rise even more by the sponsorship deadline at the end of July.

Find out more about some of the Chesterfield Champion organisations which took part in the event.

The 10km walk began and finished at Chesterfield Football Club’s SMH Group stadium, with people setting off at 10pm and live entertainment kicking off the party at 7pm.

The 10km route took walkers from the stadium down the A61 bypass, which was closed to traffic, past the Crooked Spire and through the streets of Chesterfield before returning to the football ground.

Jack Wood, Director of Income Generation at Ashgate Hospice said: “Once again everyone at the hospice has been absolutely blown away by the amount of people who turned out for our Sparkle Night Walk.

“The event was our most popular ever and we’re so grateful to all the walkers who came out to support the hospice.

“Our incredible staff and volunteers have been working so hard for months to put on an amazing event for the people of North Derbyshire, I’m so glad it was such a success.

“The amount of money we’re expected to receive in donations will go such a long way towards being there for the patients and families who need us most.”

“We hope to see everyone back again next year donning their sparkles, pink tutus and bunny ears – you can grab your super early bird ticket now for just £8!”

Super early bird registration for next year’s event has opened and more than 400 people have already signed up. Entry will be available at a reduced rate until 11^th August, with the walk set to take place on 28^th June 2025.

To find out more about next year’s Sparkle Night Walk, go to: www.ashgatehospice.org.uk/sparkle-night-walk

If you’re looking for more events and activities taking place across Chesterfield this summer, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Home, Leisure, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in Ashgate hospice, Chesterfield community news, chesterfield events, chesterfield news, sparkle night walk, Summer in Chesterfield

Chesterfield Champions to get involved in Ashgate Hospice Sparkle Night Walk

19th June 2024

Businesses in the town’s network of Chesterfield Champions are set to join thousands of people to raise funds for Ashgate Hospice this weekend.

The Sparkle Night Walk takes place each summer and sees people walking the 10km course through Chesterfield dressed in pink t-shirts and bunny ears.

The event helps to raise vital funds for the hospice, which provides end-of-life care for patients and support for their families.

Charlotte Butterworth, Events and Partnerships Manager at Ashgate Hospice, said: “We’re so grateful to all of the amazing businesses across North Derbyshire who will be taking part in our Sparkle Night Walk this year.

“The teams signing up and raising sponsorship for us will help fund care for the families who will need us now and in the future.

“We’ve had almost 3,000 people register for the event so far which is just incredible. We can’t wait to see so many of our supporters sparkling together on the big night.

“Let’s come together and do something amazing to raise funds towards vital palliative and end of life care in our region!”

Nick Hogan, Destination Chesterfield Board Member, commented: “It is great to see Chesterfield’s community coming together once again to raise funds for Ashgate Hospice.

“The work carried out by the hospice’s dedicated team to support people and families across our area is so important, therefore it is brilliant to see the community supporting this fantastic event.

“I would like to wish everyone taking part in the Sparkle Night Walk all the best on the night. I’m sure it will be another superb evening for our town.”

Find out more about some of the businesses in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire walking at this year’s event:

Banner Jones Solicitors

Banner Jones is once again supporting Ashgate Hospice by participating in this year’s Sparkle Walk.

With a dedicated team of 16 participants, this is the fourth year that the law firm has participated in the event, having raised an impressive £1,500 in 2023, and around £1,000 in 2022.

Banner Jones Marketing Manager, Lynne Pope, said: “We are excited to be taking part in the Ashgate Hospice Sparkle Walk for the fourth year. It’s a charity close to our hearts.

“Having visited the hospice, I saw the quality of service and care provided to those who need it the most. We are proud to be raising money for this vital local service, to help it continue supporting the local community in such an important way.”

Further information about the Banner Jones team’s fundraising efforts can be found here.

NIBE

A member of the NIBE team is taking part in the walk, in memory of a colleague and friend who used to work for the company.

Alan Sanders said: “I will walk in memory of my good friend and work colleague Sven Ove, who passed just over a year ago.

Ashgate cared for him and others I know in their time of need, and it’s terrible to think that others in need may not be accommodated due to lack of funding. Please if you knew Svein, consider helping this vital service.”

Find out more on the team’s fundraising page here.

Graysons Solicitors

Laura Cowan, head of Graysons’ private client team, said : “Everyone at Graysons Solicitors is buzzing with excitement as we gear up for the Sparkle Walk to support Ashgate Hospice in Chesterfield once more.

“Our team deeply values the opportunity to contribute to such a vital community cause. Last year’s event left a lasting impression on us all, and we are keen to create even more wonderful memories this year while raising crucial funds for the hospice.”

Donate to the team’s JustGiving page here.

Peak Pharmacy

Sparkle Night Walk 2023 Tom Hodgson Photographyby

Sparkle Night Walk 2023 by Tom Hodgson Photography

A team from Chesterfield’s Peak Pharmacy is set to take on the 10km course this Saturday.

Gillian Watters, P.A to the company’s Directors said: “Here at Peak Pharmacy, we wanted to focus our fundraising efforts on a local charity and chose to support Ashgate Hospice. Being our local hospice care facility, many of us have personal experience of Ashgate caring for family and friends.

“The Ashgate fundraising team have done an excellent job helping collate our team registration details making it an easy team event for us to arrange. We are very much looking forward to a fun evening with colleagues whilst raising money for such a worthy cause.”

Sponsor the team on it’s GoFundMe page.

Handelsbanken

Over the course of 2024, members of staff at Handelsbanken in Chesterfield will be undertaking a variety of activities to raise funds for Ashgate Hospice to support the incredible work they do.

In March, the team spent the day helping clear the woodland area in the hospice grounds for further redevelopment in the future to benefit the families using the hospice.

Throughout April, Handelsbanken Chesterfield collected new and pre-loved items for distribution to the hospice’s outlets in the local area.

Now, the team will be embarking on the 10km course to raise funds for Ashgate, and has already gone over a fabulous £4,500.

Donate to the team’s fundraising page here.

We Are Spaces

Chesterfield’s We Are Spaces will also be taking part in the walk. Find out more and donate to the team’s fundraising page at:

https://www.justgiving.com/team/wearespaces

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in Ashgate hospice, Ashgate Hospice Sparkle Night Walk, Chesterfield, chesterfield business news, Chesterfield charities, Chesterfield community news, chesterfield events, chesterfield fundraising, sparkle night walk

Experiences to share this summer in Chesterfield

13th June 2024

Families, foodies, and music lovers are in for a treat this summer in Chesterfield with a wide range of experiences to share taking place across the town.

Summer in Chesterfield has launched, a campaign that celebrates the fantastic events and experiences happening across the area this year.

The campaign aims to support the town’s businesses by promoting everything that is happening in and around Chesterfield, to attract more visitors and encourage residents to support local businesses. There will be content throughout the season on social media, websites and e-newsletters to keep people up to date.

Residents are also being asked to join in with the campaign by sharing their summer experiences on social media with the hashtag #LoveChesterfield.

Monthly competitions will take place over summer with opportunities to win tickets to exciting events and festivals such as the Peak District Highland Games.

Peter Swallow, Destination Chesterfield Chair, said: “This summer provides plenty of opportunity to explore our beautiful Chesterfield. Our passionate people and businesses are going out of their way so that you, your family, and your friends can create lasting memories together while sampling the best of our charming market town. Let’s continue to support our independent shops and venues, whilst taking full advantage of the events and activities lined up across the area. Together, let’s make this summer one to remember, filled with laughter, adventures, and hopefully, plenty of sunshine!”

Events and festivals

There are lots of incredible events and festivals to experience together happening in Chesterfield this year, with lots of familiar favourites making a big return to the town.

The BRM Chesterfield Festival of Cricket is back in Queen’s Park with Derbyshire taking on Yorkshire from Sunday 30 June to Wednesday 3 July and on Sunday 7 July with a T20 matchup between Derbyshire Falcons and Yorkshire Vikings.

To kick off the week of Cricket in Queen’s Park there will be an 80s Bash on Friday 28 June featuring the epic anthems of Bon Jovi and Queen, to the iconic sounds of Blondie, ABBA, Duran Duran, Eurythmics and more.

Chesterfield Pride will be held on Sunday 21 July in Stand Road Park. The family friendly event includes a headline performance by Liberty X as well as other artists including the Cheeky Girls, Nathan Moore, local singer songwriter Lexi Whiteside and lots of other fantastic performers.

Ashgate Hospice is hosting its fantastic Sparkle Night Walk fundraiser on Saturday 22 June. Grab your friends and family, put on your pink accessories, and enjoy a great evening raising money for a local charity.

Jimmy Carr’s sold-out show will bring his dark sense of humour to the Winding Wheel Theatre. There are also some incredible tribute acts throughout the summer to suit every taste including AC/DC, Abba, Queen and Elton John.

Family fun

Chesterfield has been consistently recognised as one of the best places to raise a family and this summer there are lots of experiences for families to share.

Chesterfield has a selection of award-winning parks and green spaces with fantastic play areas, outdoor walks and the Queen’s Park mini train, Puffin’ Billy, will be running through the summer holidays.

After a huge success last year, the Chesterfield Children’s Festival will be returning to Queen’s Park on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 July. Organised by Junction Arts the full lineup is still to be announced but so far acts confirmed include Block Buster Factory, an award-winning immersive street show where you get to be part of a live movie set. There will also be an interactive catwalk, family life drawing workshops and an aerial workshop for babies and their parents.

Both Queen’s Park Sports Centre and the Healthy Living Centre will be open throughout the summer holidays, with some special activities planned. Chesterfield Canal Trust are running trips along the Chesterfield Canal from Tapton Lock or the Hollingwood Hub throughout the summer, including special trips with fish and chips on board. The Trust will also be hosting paddle sport sessions on the Canal.

The Winding Wheel Theatre will be hosting family friendly shows including a return of Horrible Histories with their show Rotten Royals on 16 June and Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out on 27 and 28 July.

History and heritage

There are lots of ways to soak up our town’s history.

You can visit Chesterfield’s most famous landmark with a Crooked Spire Tower Tour on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the summer. Learn about the history of the church and see the bells, and from early July enjoy stunning views over the surrounding area.

If you’re interested in trains, why not visit Barrow Hill Roundhouse? Britain’s last surviving railway roundhouse with a working turntable was built in 1870 and is now a fantastic museum with a great selection of trains from different eras.

Anyone wanting to take a walk and soak in the sunshine will be spoilt for choice with a fantastic range of countryside walks on the doorstep or take part in the Art Trail and see some fantastic sculptures from a range of acclaimed artists.

Young male hiding at Barrow Hill Roundhouse

Barrow Hill Round House, Chesterfield

Food and drink

Peddler Market is being held on Friday 19 and Saturday 20 July. With a fantastic selection of global street food, craft drinks and excellent entertainment, the event is a joy for the senses. This will also be the last Peddler Market for 2024 due to the regeneration works planned in the town centre.

Casa Hotel will be hosting their Bottomless Brunch with one date in June and four from July to August. Guests can enjoy sociable sharing platters of charcuterie and tapas and have 90 mins of bottomless drinks.

Brampton Brewery will be opening its doors to provide tours for the public including a talk from their head brewer about the history of the brewery and how they create their fine ales today. The tour includes two pints of their award-winning beer.

Over the summer the Chesterfield Great Historic Pub Tours will be covering the town centre and Brampton Mile each month. The tours include the history of local pubs and the chance to get a drink at each stop.

Of course, there are also lots of independent restaurants and bars to try, you can find 50 of the very best the town has to offer by visiting the Chesterfield website.

Markets and shopping

Chesterfield not only has regular markets on Monday, Friday, and Saturdays from 9am to 4pm, but we also have one of the largest flea markets in the country every Thursday.

Speciality markets including the Vegan Market, Artisan Market and Record Fair will be held on Sundays throughout the summer. Offering a range of unique products it’s a great opportunity to support local traders and small businesses.

Little Hummingbird Events will also be bringing their Craft & Makers Market to the main Market on select Saturdays in July and August.

In Chesterfield town centre and just outside on Chatsworth Road and Whittington Moor are well-known chain stores, and a fantastic selection of independent retailers who are happy to offer gift advice where needed.

You can find out more about the Summer in Chesterfield campaign, including listings for all the events and some insider tips on where you can find the best independent shops, bars and eateries by visiting: www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer

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

Next major phase of town centre regeneration work set to start in July

12th June 2024

The next phase of the regeneration of Chesterfield town centre is set to start in July – with experienced contractor, Thomas Bow, now appointed to take the project forward.

The multi-million pound Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project includes a range of improvement works to transform the look, feel and flow of the town’s key public spaces. The works are due to start on 1 July and will take eighteen months to complete.

The project will begin in Market Square, where improvements will create a new market layout with new stalls and enhancements to paving, seating and lighting, before moving on to New Square, where works will be carried out to create an attractive flexible space to support both traditional and speciality markets and a wider range of uses. The final phase will involve improvement works to Rykneld Square.

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

Separately, GF Tomlinson will carry out improvements to Corporation Street to create a new gateway to the refurbished Stephenson Memorial Hall.

A spokesperson for the council said: “We’re pleased to confirm Thomas Bow as our contractor and look forward to the project gathering pace over the coming weeks – with work due to start next month. The town centre will remain open for business, although inevitably the work will cause some short-term disruption and we thank people in advance for their patience.

“We have a detailed plan to support our market traders and town centre businesses throughout the improvement works, and we’ll also be making sure we keep members of the public up to date by sharing information as the work progresses.

“We’d encourage people to sign up to our regular monthly email newsletter via our website at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/revitalise – and also keep an eye on the council’s social media channels for the latest updates.”

Thomas Bow is an experienced civil engineering contractor having worked on major public realm regeneration projects in cities across the midlands, including Lincoln, Nottingham and Leicester. They will be operating a site office from Low Pavement and from where members of the public will be able to view the plans and find out more about how the project is progressing.

John Allen, Construction Director from Thomas Bow, said: “We are delighted to secure this important scheme with Chesterfield Borough Council. As a local contractor with significant experience in successful public realm delivery across the midlands, our teams are very much looking forward to embarking on this project in the coming months.”

Residents are also asked to note that, due to the timing of the improvement works, Chesterfield’s Medieval Market will not take place this year. The council is working with the local charities which usually fund-raise at the July event to provide alternative opportunities for them to take market stalls on speciality market days.

The next Peddler Market will go ahead as planned on 19 and 20 July – within its self-contained location on New Square, which won’t be affected by the works until later in the year.

A council spokesperson said: “Unfortunately, we have had to take the difficult decision to cancel the Medieval Market this year, as key areas of the main market square will be undergoing improvement works.

“However, there are many more great family-friendly events taking place across the summer period and, in the longer term, the improvement works will create more space and flexibility for a range of town centre events and celebrations.

“We’ll also be launching a new public art project. It will include an artist in residency, art trails and an exhibition in the town centre, with the aim of encouraging people to visit and support local businesses whilst the regeneration project proceeds.”

You can find out more about Chesterfield Borough Council’s Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project and sign up for email newsletter updates by visiting: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/revitalise

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Property and Construction, Summer, Visiting

Chesterfield residents urged to back local events this summer

12th June 2024

Chesterfield business leaders are urging residents and visitors to support the town’s major events and festivals this summer, emphasising their crucial role in sustaining independent traders and enhancing the local economy.

During the recent Destination Chesterfield Round Table discussion organised in collaboration with the Derbyshire Times, local business people in the town’s network of Chesterfield Champions highlighted our area’s charm and historic character as key selling points, making it a unique place to host large events. This summer, several significant events will draw thousands to Chesterfield, including:

Jordan Hartshorne, Managing Director at Spire Radio highlighted the positive impact of these events on the town centre: “It’s great to see lots of events happening in New Square. It is the perfect place to do things, as it is just the right size and has great proximity to other areas. People are coming back into town because things are going on. We’re seeing more positivity around things taking place in the town centre.”

James Snipe, Audit and Accounts Manager at Shorts Chartered Accountants also praised the addition of the Peddler Market in Chesterfield: “Peddler has been a fantastic addition. It has been very popular in Sheffield for a long time, and people drive miles to attend it. Now people are coming here to visit it, which is great to see. The wider food and drink offer is definitely improving across the town.”

Deon Jacobs of Cawa Bakery emphasised the potential of events to attract long-term visitors and boost the economy: “The Redbrik Chesterfield 10k is a great event. I’d like to see this built upon with more initiatives which see people stay in our town for longer. If you look at cycling events such as the Tour de France and the Tour de Yorkshire, all the towns that those races go through benefit tremendously, from people using hotels, restaurants, and other amenities.”

Mike Jones, Head of Customer Relations for Windowcharm Blinds & Curtains, spoke about the role of events in promoting Chesterfield as a place to visit: “I have a passion for photography, and being able to get out and about to events with my camera is a great way to help with promoting the town. If we have more events on New Square and around the public realm, more people will come in on weekends to take photos and share them. Potential investors can also see that people want to go to Chesterfield, making it a more attractive proposition.”

Delegates at the Round Table also thought that the distinct character of Chesterfield is helping to attract quirky, independent businesses. Cawa’s Deon Jacobs explained: “Creating space for artisan shops provides a great way to increase footfall because you’re creating a destination. We’ve seen this at our shop in Chesterfield Railway Station. The first train in the morning from Sheffield to London stops for 10 minutes in Chesterfield, and we see people getting off the train to spend with us, rather than at a national chain in Sheffield. We’ve seen in our town centre outlet that events such as Peddler make a huge difference in attracting the right audiences.”

Upcoming regeneration in Chesterfield town centre will pave the way for an improved marketplace, and space to host more unique events. Ryan Smith of Voeberg Hospitality, the developer behind the Holywell Hotel in Chesterfield, was excited by the plans: “The upcoming work to revamp the market will have a major impact. We’re seeing a boom online for people working on side hustles through sites such as Etsy. If we can get the facilities right, we could attract those kinds of people to set up pop-up shops on the market to create a real buzz in the town centre.”

Market Square Chesterfield – artist’s impression

Recent developments have also seen the creation of new homes in the heart of the town. Windowcharm’s Mike Jones thinks this will have a positive effect, not just on businesses, but on the community feel of Chesterfield: “You see what they have done at Parkhill in Sheffield. That regeneration has created a supportive, tight-knit community, and we can do the same here.”

However, Joby Parsons, Events and Sales Coordinator at West Studios emphasised that local people need to play their part in promoting the town to others: “I think it’s important that we continue to encourage people to use local businesses and promote local talent. If we can encourage more people to get to know what businesses and events we do have, we will change perceptions in terms of how people view their hometown in a much more positive way.

“Nobody is going to be a better cheerleader for Chesterfield than the people who live here. If we can change those perceptions locally, people will tell their friends out of town about more of the things happening here.”

Mike agreed, stating that local people had a huge role in supporting our local businesses: “I think as residents of the town, we can do more to share things that we are passionate about locally. The town needs more ambassadors and leaders to help shout about what we have here. When everyone in the marketplace has a positive vibe, it’s natural that they’re going to share their experiences with others.”

To find out more about how you can make memories with friends and family this Summer, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer/

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

‘It’s coming home!’ – Here’s where you can catch all the action from Euro 2024 in Chesterfield

10th June 2024

Get ready, everyone! With England gearing up for their Euro 2024 campaign, Chesterfield is the place to be for every passionate football fan.

Whether you’re planning to watch the games with your friends or family, our town has got you covered with top-notch venues showing every thrilling moment.

Nick Hogan, Destination Chesterfield Board Member commented: “We’re fortunate to have so many great pubs and bars across Chesterfield ready to give you a taste of the Euros atmosphere.

“Whether you’re a passionate supporter and can’t take your eyes off the screen, or just a casual viewer wanting to spend time with loved ones, our venues are ready to give you a great experience cheering on Gareth Southgate and his team. Come on England!”

Discover all the exciting events happening across Chesterfield by visiting our events page.

We’ve scouted a few of the spots showing the action in town so you won’t miss a single kick. We’d recommend contacting your chosen venue to book your place to avoid disappointment!

Chesterfield town centre

Aruba

This bar on Corporation Street will be showing the action and is already kitted out with England and other European flag bunting!

Find out more on the bar’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/aruba.chesterfield/

The Barley Mow

You’ll find The Barley Mow on Saltergate, just a stones’ throw away from Chesterfield Town Hall.

Find out more at: https://www.facebook.com/TheBarleyMowChesterfield

Gasoline

Also on Saltergate, Gasoline is a purpose-built sports bar serving American bar food to get you filled up ready for kick-off.

For more information, go to: https://www.facebook.com/people/Gasoline-Chesterfield/100084250344247/

The Blue Bell

A large pub situated adjacent to Chesterfield’s Holywell Cross (Donut) roundabout.

Find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/bluebellchesterfield/

Rosie O’Leary’s

Situated on Holywell Street, Rosie O’Leary’s will be bringing you all the action from this year’s tournament.

Find out more: https://www.facebook.com/RosiesChesterfield/

The Chesterfield Arms

Showing England games in the barn and in the bar, the Chesterfield Arms on Newbold Road is inviting you to enjoy the thrills and spills of Euro 2024.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/chezzyarms/

The Golden Fleece

Providing a big screen, music and a bite to eat… The Golden Fleece underwent a revamp last year and is ready to give you a great viewing experience:

Find out more: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Golden-Fleece/61552409018184/

The Sun Inn

Get match ready with drinks offers at The Sun Inn at West Bars, showing all the England matches live:

Further information can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/thesuninnchesterfield

The Loop

Get your football fix at The Loop on Corporation Street this summer, showing Euro 2024 matches live.

Find out more at: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093120057090

The Victoria

The Victoria is already displaying England flags in its window, and has confirmed on social media that you’ll be able to view the big matches on eight big screens.

Find out more: https://www.facebook.com/thevictoriachesterfield

Brampton and Chatsworth Road

Rose and Crown

Recently Awarded North Derbyshire Pub of the Year by CAMRA, The Rose and Crown is ready to welcome you to cheer on the three lions.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/RoseAndCrownBrampton

Tramway Tavern

Enjoy the England fixtures with a pint of locally brewed Brampton beer at the Tramway Tavern.

For more information, go to: https://www.facebook.com/TramwayTavernBrampton

Brampton Social Club

The Brampton Social Club has several TV screens so you won’t miss a kick!

More information: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089802582231

The Barrel

Known for showing live sport on a regular basis, The Barrel Inn has 18 screens so you’ll be able to get a great view of the action.

For more information, go to: https://www.facebook.com/thebarrelinnbrampton

The Mile

The Mile is gearing up for the tournament and already has England flags in its windows.

Find out more: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550576683284

The Star

The Star invites you to watch Gareth Southgate’s squad on its large HD screens.

Find out more: https://www.facebook.com/StarInnBrampton

Hasland

The Devonshire Arms

The Devonshire Arms has confirmed it will be showing all the Euros action.

Find out more: https://www.facebook.com/devonshirehasland

Shoulder of Mutton

Shoulder of Mutton is hosting a ‘passport to Europe’ scheme during the Euros. Collect a stamp for each country you watch at the pub, and you’ll be rewarded with stamps which can earn you free drinks.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/Theshoulderofmuttonhasland

Whittington Moor

Chesterfield Football Club

Watch England take on Denmark in the Euros on the screens in the SBK Spires Restaurant, in the company of Paul Cook, Danny Webb, Gary Roberts and Kieron Dyer!

The match, on Thursday, June 20, will see the bar open from 3.30pm, ahead of the 5pm kick-off. Food will be available to purchase.

Admissions costs just £5 and booking is required, with priority for 2024/25 season ticket holders until 5pm on Wednesday, June 12. Any remaining places will then go on general sale.

Funds generated from ticket sales will go to the Erwin Training Ground Appeal.

To book, please click on the link below: https://www.eticketing.co.uk/chesterfieldfc/

The Glassworks

Watch England’s Euro 2024 campaign at Brampton Brewery’s Glassworks pub on Sheffield Road.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/theglassworkschesterfield

Donkey Derby

Donkey Derby is inviting England fans to book their place to secure a spot ready for the England group stage fixtures.

Find out more at: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063145458411

Other Chesterfield venues

The Woodside

Catch the action live at The Woodside on Ashgate Road. The pub is hosting a £10 burger and a pint deal during the match.

Find out more at: https://www.facebook.com/TheWoodsideChesterfield

Posted in Blog, Leisure, Summer, VisitingTagged in Chesterfield pubs, chesterfield. football club, England football, visiting chesterfield

Have your say and help shape the future of Chesterfield

7th June 2024

Residents, businesses, community groups and organisations in Chesterfield are being asked to have their say on how they think almost £20m worth of investment should be spent to help improve the town over the next 10 years.

A new and independent board, called the Chesterfield Town Board, is driving forward this investment and wants to hear people’s views to understand local issues and priorities as well as ideas for the future of Chesterfield.

People can put forward their views as part of an online survey – which will be open until noon on Monday 24 June – and a series of engagement sessions are also being held with local community groups and organisations.

Dominic Staniforth, Chair of the Chesterfield Town Board, said: “Listening to local people and understanding how residents, businesses and community representatives think this money should be best invested is at the heart of our plans.

“This means our investment proposals will be developed by local people for local people: bringing together residents, business, and community leaders to devise and agree a shared vision for the future.

“It’s really important that we hear from as many people as possible, to understand local issues and priorities as well as ideas that people may have for the future of Chesterfield.”

The short survey asks people to answer a series of brief questions, seeking their views on how the funding should be spent on projects which fit into three key themes:

Safety and security – this could include projects which help to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour, for example.
High streets, heritage and regeneration – this could include projects which would enhance the town, making the place more attractive and accessible to residents, businesses and visitors.
Transport and connectivity – this could include projects which support improved access to the town centre, including work to support greener modes of travel, as well as public transport options.

People’s views will be used to help shape the development of a long-term vision statement and three-year investment plan setting out how and where the money will be spent.

Dominic added: “Chesterfield is a great town full of wonderful people and organisations that share a common purpose to make it even better – a place to live, work, invest and study – so please do spare a few minutes to complete our short survey and be part of our shared ambitions for the town.”

Local business leader Dominic Staniforth was appointed as Chair of the Board. He sits alongside representatives from other local businesses, community and voluntary organisations, and the public sector, including representation from Chesterfield Borough Council.

The survey can be accessed at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Chesterfieldonlinesurvey

For more information about Chesterfield Town Board visit www.chesterfield.gov.uk/chesterfield-town-board

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Property and Construction, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in chesterfield borough council, chesterfield business news, Chesterfield improvements, Chesterfield investment, chesterfield news, Chesterfield town, Chesterfield Town Board, chesterfield town centre, Love Chesterfield

New fashion exhibition inspired by Duchess Deborah to launch at Chatsworth

7th June 2024

The Chatsworth House Trust has announced it will be opening a new exhibition showcasing renowned London-based fashion house, ERDEM’s Spring Summer 2024 collection, which is inspired by Duchess Deborah and the Devonshire Collections.

From 22 June – 20 October 2024, Chatsworth will be home to Imaginary Conversations, an exhibition which celebrates the legacy of the late Duchess, using the house as a source of inspiration for the collection.

As part of the research and development process for the collection, Erdem and his design team were given access to the extensive archives at Chatsworth. Archival fabrics from the collection, including historic curtains that once hung within the house, were reimagined into the collection along with the shapes, silhouettes and styles of the pieces Duchess Deborah wore.

Imaginary Conversations provides insight into Erdem’s creative process, from the initial thrill of discovery when delving into the Chatsworth archives, to the artistry and techniques of designing new clothes.

Erdem Moralioglu MBE, Creative Director and Founder at ERDEM, said: “I have always wanted to create a collection on Deborah, Duchess of Devonshire and the history of Chatsworth. I have long been fascinated by her story and found the archives at Chatsworth to be endlessly inspiring.”

Set within the guest bedrooms, the exhibition brings together historic prints and drawings, textiles, jewellery and photographs, with the eclectic taste of Deborah, the late Dowager Duchess, woven throughout.

Key looks from the Erdem SS24 collection will sit alongside the source material. Collectively, these stories of the past and present pay tribute to British craft and flair, reinforcing Duchess Deborah’s inimitable spirit and vision.

Imaginary Conversations celebrates how Chatsworth, and the Devonshire Collections, can inspire the artists, makers and designers of today.

Jane Marriott, Director at Chatsworth House Trust, commented: “For five centuries, Chatsworth has been a home of creativity and a source of inspiration for countless designers, makers, and artists, and we are delighted to build on this legacy with Imaginary Conversations. The exhibition provides insight into Erdem’s creative process, from the initial thrill of discovery when delving into the Devonshire Archives, to the artistry and techniques of his new designs.

“As a charity, we care for the incredible Devonshire Collections in order to share them with everyone. It is so exciting to see the historic collections reimagined through a contemporary lens in this way, and we hope that by sharing the process behind this collaboration we can inspire the next generation of creative leaders.”

The exhibition begins in the Queen of Scots’ Lobby, with cases filled with material that once belonged to Duchess Deborah, including letters, objects and photographs of particular inspiration to Erdem.

At various points throughout the exhibition, largescale projections will play the Spring Summer 24 catwalk show, immersing visitors in the live experience.

A recording of the Duchess’s voice, used in the Spring Summer 24 fashion show soundtrack for the launch at the British Museum, will play in the background, and Lucian Freud’s portrait of the Duchess, Woman in a White Shirt, will bring her voice to life. Whilst select pieces from Duchess Deborah’s legendary jewellery collection of insects will also be displayed amongst pieces from Erdem’s collection.

The exhibition concludes in the Wellington Bedroom, where Duchess Deborah’s own inspirations and passions are to be displayed alongside the looks from Erdem’s collection that honour them.

Lady Burlington added: “Chatsworth’s fashion archive is perhaps a lesser-known part of the collection, but seeing Duchess Deborah’s clothing inspire this new body of work by Erdem, and being able to bring these pieces back to Chatsworth with the original source material has been an incredibly rewarding process. Debo loved clothes and creativity and I hope she would be quietly pleased to see all these things she enjoyed inspire Erdem and fuel his work.”

Imaginary Conversations is sponsored by Farfetch, and access to the exhibition is included with all house and garden tickets between 22 June and 20 October 2024. There will also be a series of curator tours taking place throughout the summer.

To book tickets and find out more, visit: www.chatsworth.org/events/erdem-imaginary-conversations/

Posted in Home, Leisure, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in Chatsworth House, chesterfield news, ERDEM, ERDEM Spring, ERDEM Summer, ERDEM summer 2024, Places to visit in Chesterfield, things to do in Chesterfield

We Are Spaces Ltd expands commercial property portfolio with acquisition of high street property

5th June 2024

A prominent building in the heart of Chesterfield’s retail centre is set to undergo extensive refurbishment after its acquisition by the Commercial Interior Design and Build company We Are Spaces.

The three-storey property, located alongside the old Marks & Spencer building, spans an impressive 3,355 sq ft and features independent pedestrian access to the upper two floors.

Having acquired the Grade II listed building for an undisclosed sum via auction earlier this year, We Are Spaces is committed to maintaining it as a commercial space with the aim of attracting smaller businesses that can drive footfall and increase spending within the town centre.

The deal was completed with legal advice and support from leading regional law firm Banner Jones’ commercial property team, and the property was purchased through the auction house Mark Jenkinson.

Amy Revell, co-founder and creative director at We Are Spaces, stated: “As a business, we are committed to projects that reinvigorate the high street, particularly those that bring derelict buildings back into commercial use. Having acquired the site earlier this year, we are now in the early stages of the planning process, with refurbishment works expected to start within a few months.”

Amy Revell, We Are Spaces

We Are Spaces, which specialises in commercial transformation and interior design, added that plans to sympathetically refurbish the High Street building will factor in its heritage and history, whilst also incorporating state-of-the-art technology to ensure it meets the latest sustainability and environmental standards.

Ben Couch from Banner Jones’ commercial property team, who advised We Are Spaces on the acquisition, said: “We are delighted to have worked alongside the team at We Are Spaces to support their latest acquisition.

“As a fellow Chesterfield Champion it’s great to have been involved in yet another project that will fundamentally improve the High Street’s commercial offering, benefiting not only local businesses and the local community, but also the local economy.”

Ben Couch, Banner Jones Solicitors

The acquisition bolsters We Are Spaces’ existing portfolio and, upon completion, will complement Chesterfield Council’s ongoing commitment to reinvigorating the high street through its Vitality and Viability of Centres plan, which includes the revitalisation of the town centre and the new Waterside scheme.

Amy Revell added, “We are dedicated to maintaining this unit as a vibrant commercial space that will help drive footfall, attract more out of town visitors, and bolster the local economy by contributing to Chesterfield’s dynamic business environment.”

Banner Jones is a leading law firm in Chesterfield, offering expert legal advice to businesses in commercial property, business acquisitions and mergers, employment, lease agreements, and other services. As Chesterfield Champions, they support local businesses and contribute to community growth.

We Are Spaces and Banner Jones support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Property and Construction, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in Banner Jones Solicitors, Chesterfield investment, Chesterfield retail news, chesterfield town centre, Love Chesterfield, We Are Spaces