chesterfield events

Strongmen and strongwomen to flex their muscles at the Peak District Highland Games

Some of the nation’s strongest men and women are coming to our region next month, to battle it out in the bid to be The Peak District Highland Games Champion 2023.

The flagship show, now in its eighth year, takes place at Matlock Farm Park on Sunday 27 August. It features athletes participating in six demanding strength events including the Tossing of the Caber, Eight Tonne Tractor Pull and Peak District Dinnie Stone Challenge.

Beginning with a parade of the athletes accompanied by The City of Manchester Piper Band and a Scottish dancer, the day sees an expert MC provide exciting commentary to enthuse the crowd, with the opportunity for spectators to even take part in a Tug of War.

Lotty Hawkins, Communications Manager of Matlock Farm Park, said: “We’re delighted to be running this fantastic event once again. It’s such a favourite for so many people, whatever the age. It’s a real spectacle and with so much else going on in the park, there’s something for everyone”.

peak District Highland Games 2022 log press

The day also features a range of food, market and craft stalls with a Bradfield Brewery beer tent and a Prosecco stand for Summer refreshments. There is an interactive exotic animal encounter, along with much of the usual fun of the farm park, including sheep racing, small animal handling and playtime fun with the Enchanted Hamlet and Jumping Pillow.

The last two years of the Games have seen strongwomen also competing, much to the delight of inspired spectators. Initially taking part in three of the six strength events, last year they competed in all six disciplines, also pulling the same eight tonne tractor as the men, with Michaela Moore taking the women’s title.

Manbeast Events director Andy Picken said: “There is growing diversity in strength sports and women are demonstrating great dedication to training and some awesome displays of strength”.

He continued: “The female and male athletes are really excited about this year’s Peak District Highland Games, with some amazing competitors lined up. In 2022, newly crowned men’s champion Jake Rideout was pushed right to the very end by Shaun Blairs in a tight contest. With the introduction of some mystery new athletes this year, Manbeast are keeping the rest of the competitors in the dark to keep them focused and ready to battle it out!”

To find out more and to purchase tickets for The Peak District Highland Games, see matlockfarmpark.digitickets.co.uk/tickets.

Find out more about the wide range of events and activities taking place across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire this summer at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer/

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

peak district highland games caber toss

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Plastic Free Festival to return with plenty of entertainment and activities

A successful plastic-free festival is set to return for a one-day event in Chesterfield next month.

The free event will take place at New Square from 10am to 4pm on Sunday, July 16, offering craft workshops, food and drinks, live performances and children’s entertainment.

To keep up with the summer festival’s ethos of reducing waste, the tradition continues – attendees are encouraged to bring their own containers, bags, cutlery and cups if possible.

Greg Hewitt, organiser of the Plastic Free Festival, said: “We’re thrilled to be here for another year! We can’t wait to bring another day of brilliant entertainment, wonderful music and important education around single-use plastics.

“Come along, find great plastic-free products, browse the market and enjoy the show.”

The festival aims to champion local sustainable businesses and raise awareness of environmental issues while bringing together like-minded people for a day of fun and celebration.

Greg added: “It’s unfortunate that we had a bad start because of the pandemic, where we went through a lot between last-minute changes and awful weather, but we haven’t let that put a dampener on our spirits.

“I’m sure people will love what we have put together for them this year and appreciate all the hard work and dedication we have put into organising another fantastic event for all the community.”

This year’s event will see an increased selection of reusable cups on offer, from wine goblets to coffee cups, and a bar serving both alcoholic and soft drinks.

Alongside the jam-packed entertainment schedule, there will also be a workshop from entrepreneur Carmel Page, with tips and tricks on how to repair clothes and reduce textile waste.

Greg said: “The impact the festival has had on our community over the last few years is outstanding. Everyone has been so receptive and people have even started changing their ways when it comes to plastic by reducing their usage. It’s amazing to see the difference we are making and that people are taking the message on board.”

Visit the festival’s Facebook page to find out more: https://www.facebook.com/theplasticfreefestival

Find out more about the full range of events and activities taking place across Chesterfield this summer: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer/

Chesterfield Plastic Free Festival

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New entertainment and activities announced for the Tapton Lock Festival 2023

Now in its eleventh year, organisers have confirmed that the popular Tapton Lock Festival will return this September with a host of new activities and entertainment for families to enjoy.

The free annual event is organised by Junction Arts and Derbyshire County Council, with the aim of bringing families and friends together to enjoy the outdoors, promoting better health and wellbeing.  During the weekend, the Chesterfield Canal comes alive with outdoor theatre, music and dance, arts and crafts workshops, stalls, ‘have a go’ canoes, boat rides and much more.

Family favourites such as the brilliant bubbleologist, circus skills and climbing wall will return but there’ll also be some new entertainment for 2023 including performances and workshops from Bollywood dancers, African drummers, and the Babbling Vagabonds Magical Market Stall!

Visitors will also be able to try their hand at Lego printing, and greenwood crafts or get green-fingered in a seed workshop.

Junction Arts Coordinator Jane Wells said: “Tapton Lock Festival brings together the arts and the outdoors to create an event that is inclusive and accessible to all.  It encourages communities to come together and enjoy the beautiful canal walkways that are on our doorstep.  Working with Derbyshire Countryside Services, each year we aim to bring back the popular activities but also introduce something new…  This year we’re excited to have new performers and activities that will bring even more colour and vibrancy to the festival.

“At Junction Arts, our aim is to build stronger communities through the arts and The Tapton Lock Festival is a great example of this! The festival raises awareness of the area along the Chesterfield Canal and the network of footpaths and cycleways, encouraging people to spend more time in nature with family and friends becoming healthier and happier.”

As part of the festival, Junction Arts will also be doing community outreach with Brimmington Junior School in July.  Pupils will enjoy a trip to the canal to learn all about the flora and fauna of the canal with a countryside ranger.  In September they will also get to work with a local artist to create a piece of artwork that will be displayed at this year’s festival and complete their Arts Award Discover.

For further community engagement, Junction Arts will also commission an ‘artist in residence’ at Chesterfield Football Club to work with a small group of young people who attend Thr1ve, a social prescribing group for young people, part of the Club’s Spireites Trust.

Tapton Lock Festival is a free event that takes place around the Tapton Lock Visitor Centre on the 9th and 10th of September from 11:00 am until 4.00 pm daily.

For more information about how you can get involved, sponsorship and stall opportunities contact jane@junctionarts.org or hannah@junctionarts.org

Find out about the packed schedule of summer events and activities taking place across Chesterfield throughout the summer: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer/

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.

Tapton Lock 2022_Junction Arts_ Photo Credit Nathan Hamer

Image supplied by Nathan Hamer

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This weekend’s Chesterfield Canal Festival to include Spitfire and Hurricane flypasts

A host of attractions, including flypasts from old World War Two aircraft will be on display at this weekend’s Chesterfield Canal Festival. 

The event, which takes place on Saturday and Sunday (24th & 25th June) at Staveley Town Basin, will also feature a dog show on both days.

On Saturday 24th at 16.41 there will be a flypast by a Spitfire. On Sunday 25th at 14.30 there will be a flypast by a Hurricane.

Attendees can have a go at numerous activities, including archery, axe throwing, air rifle shooting, canoeing or zorbing. Children will be able to have a go on a mini-digger.

All four of the Chesterfield Canal Trust’s tripboats will be in action; two of which have wheelchair lifts.

In addition, there will be Birds of Prey, Children’s rides, Water Walking Balls, Bumper Boats, Spinning Bumper Carz, Newfoundland Rescue Dogs, Face painting, Aerial exercise, Craft stalls, Charity stalls, lots of Food stalls and a Real Ale bar.

The Trust’s Development Manager will also be holding Q&A sessions in the marquee about the plans for the restoration of the canal.

Free entertainment will include music, dance and street theatre all day, both in the big marquee and outside by the lock.

Admission will be £6, free for Under 16s. There will be free parking nearby with parking for blue badge holders onsite. There are several bus routes that pass withing 200 metres. The whole site is accessible to wheelchairs.

There will be separate concerts on the Friday and Saturday nights, starting at 7.30 p.m. Friday will see the return of the ever-popular Swing Commanders, whilst Saturday will feature Chesterfield’s own WonderWhys. Tickets for both concerts are available from the Chesterfield Canal Trust website.

On Monday 26th June, there will be a flotilla of all four tripboats from Staveley Basin right up the canal to Tapton and back, with stops at Hollingwood Hub and Tapton Lock, covering 10 miles and 11 locks. Go to the Chesterfield Canal Trust website to book.

On Tuesday 27th June, there will be a What, Where and When Restoration Walk to show how the canal’s route looks at present before the major restoration works start next year.

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

Canal Festival 2

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Vicar Lane invites visitors to packed summer schedule of events and activities in Chesterfield Town Centre

Vicar Lane is inviting families to shop, relax, explore, dine and enjoy with all they have to offer this Summer.

Visitors can choose from Giant Chess, Connect Four or Table Tennis for a competitive game in the sunshine, before stopping for a bite & relaxing on a deck chair.

Throughout June, July, and August, as part of a wider programme of events happening around the town – the centre will be hosting a series of free events for all the family to enjoy, starting with their ‘Watch Glastonbury Live’ event on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th June.

Don’t miss out on the action (or the crowds) as Vicar Lane show the biggest headline acts from the Glastonbury on their big outdoor screen in St James Square.

From 2pm, visitors can grab a headline cocktail from Chandler’s pop-up bar and enjoy a signature woodfired pizza from Pizza Pi throughout the day. The weekend is set to be lively with themed activity, glitter face painting and sparkling entertainment roaming around the shopping centre too.

Whilst you’re in town, why not check out the Peddler Market? Taking over New Square at Chesterfield Market, Peddler Events will be bringing some of the best street food the UK has to offer, alongside great craft drinks, live music and much more.

On the same weekend, Unhampered Live 2023 will also be hosting pop up activities in the town including free live music and workshops.

From 3rd – 16th July, Vicar Lane will be serving the best of Wimbledon action on the big screen. Spectators won’t be far from a brilliantly British treat either as Vintage Tearooms serve their vintage cream teas to dine in or takeaway for £9.50 and Pizza Pi offer Jugs of Pimms to enjoy in the sunshine!

July will also see Vicar Lane celebrate Chesterfield Pride and there’ll be Summer fun days to get involved in on selected Saturdays in August!

To see the full schedule of events this Summer Fest at Vicar Lane, visit https://www.vicarlaneshoppingcentre.co.uk/summer/ and plan your days out.

Find out more about the wide range of events and activities taking place across Chesterfield this summer at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer/

 Sarah Bowler, Tenant and Community Liaison Manager said: “We are very much looking forward to welcoming new and existing visitors to Vicar Lane for our Glastonbury Event in June.

“With so much going on around town on the last weekend in June, it is set to be a great atmosphere and we are excited to join in the fun and offer a place to come and shop, relax, enjoy, and dine out! There’ll be lots of free entertainment and activities to get involved with.”

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Wimbledon Vicar Lane Big Screen

 

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Chesterfield Champions set to take on the Sparkle Night Walk for Ashgate Hospice

Several Chesterfield Champions are getting ready to support one of the town’s largest fundraising events, the Ashgate Hospice Sparkle Night Walk 2023. 

The annual event takes place on Saturday, 1st July, and will see thousands of people take to the streets for a 10k walk around the town.

Starting and finishing at Chesterfield FC’s SMH Group stadium, the walk raises vital funds for the hospice, which provides specialist care to families across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Last year the event raised £171,500 for patients and families in need of hospice care.

This year, Ashgate Hospice is adding a bit of extra competition to the event, with workplaces able to battle it out to get to the top of the fundraising leaderboard. 

Here at Destination Chesterfield, our team is excited to be getting our hiking boots on for this year’s Sparkle Night Walk. Find out more below about some of the Chesterfield Champions joining us on the night!

Shorts

shorts sparkle walk

13 members of the team at Chesterfield accountancy firm, Shorts will be donning their sparkly shorts to take part in the walk.

The firm is taking part in the event under the team name of ‘SPARKLE SHORTS.’

You can donate to their efforts on the night at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/shorts-chartered-accountants3

Banner Jones Solicitors

banner jones sparkle walk

The Banner Jones Solicitors team is coming together for the 3rd year in a row to sparkle in support of Ashgate Hospice.

On the company’s fundraising page, the team said: “We are proud to have been based in Chesterfield for at least 145 years and we know the valuable work that Ashgate Hospice does for the people of the town. Some of us have seen it first-hand. We are raising money to help the hospice continue providing specialist care to patients and their loved ones.”

To donate to the Banner Jones Solicitors fundraising page for the event, go to: https://www.justgiving.com/team/bannerjones

MD Hair

MD Hair sparkle walk

Michelle Dalman and her team at MD Hair, based at The Glass Yard in Chesterfield will be taking part in the Sparkle Night Walk 2023.

She commented: “I’m taking on the Sparkle Night Walk 2023 to help raise vital funds for the hospice, to make sure that when our loved ones in North Derbyshire face a life-limiting illness, they’ll be able to access the specialist care and support they need.”

Donate to MD Hair’s fundraising page at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Mdhair

DoubleTree by Hilton Sheffield Park Hotel

doubletree

DoubleTree by Hilton Sheffield Park will be taking up the challenge of this year’s Sparkle Night Walk, with Ashgate Hospice being selected by the hotel as its chosen charity.

You can donate to team DoubleTree at: https://www.justgiving.com/TeamDoubletree

Valleys Group

Valleys Group - Sparkle Walk profile image

Chesterfield’s Valleys Group will be taking part in the walk, under the name ‘Valleys Vixens.’

You can find out more and donate to the team’s fundraising page at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/amanda-harris39

Rose Cottage Doggy Day Care

Dawn Brown, owner of Rose Cottage Doggy Day care will be taking on the 10-kilometre trek alongside friends and fellow Chesterfield Champions.

She commented: “I’m coming together to sparkle in support Ashgate Hospice on Saturday 1st July 2023. I’m raising money to help the hospice continue providing specialist care to patients and their loved ones.”

Donate to Dawn and her team’s fundraising efforts here.

Mortgage 1st

Team m1

Chesterfield’s Mortgage 1st has assembled a team to take on the Sparkle Night Walk for Ashgate Hospice.

The firm has been busy with a number of charity efforts recently, including playing host to a charity football tournament which raised more than £2,500 for Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.

A Mortgage 1st spokesperson said: “We’d love to raise as much as possible for Ashgate Hospice. A local charity who do an absolutely wonderful job.”

Find out more on the company’s Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mortgage1st

Destination Chesterfield

DC team 2023

The Destination Chesterfield team always looks to support local charities where possible, and is delighted to be taking part in this year’s Sparkle Night Walk.

Previously, the organisation has supported Citizen’s Advice at their charity abseil as well as supporting the Alzheimer’s Society. The team is always on the lookout for charity events it can participate in.

Donate to Destination Chesterfield’s fundraising page at: https://www.justgiving.com/page/destination-chesterfield-1685606669039

Spire Radio

Spire Radio 873x466

The studio at Spire Radio

While not taking part in the walk directly, Spire Radio will have an important role to play on the night.

The station will be keeping participants’ spirits up by providing entertainment at the halfway point of the walk.

If you’re taking part, be sure to keep an eye out for the Spire Radio team at Eastwood Park in Hasland!

Not taking part and still want to be involved? Volunteer as a marshal on the night to help cheer on walkers and keep them safe! Find out more about volunteering at: https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/sparkle-night-walk/

Still want to involve your business at the event? Opportunities are available to sponsor the screens throughout the route. Find out more: https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/product/sparkle-night-walk-screen-sponsorship/

 

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Medieval Fun Day in Chesterfield promises a packed day of entertainment

Residents and visitors are invited to a packed day of entertainment, as the popular Medieval Fun Day returns to Chesterfield in July.

Taking place on Tuesday 25 July from 10am to 4pm, the free event will be hosted in Chesterfield’s Market Place where you will be able to enjoy a range of stalls selling a variety of goods as well as fun and games for children.

The Market Square will also welcome back Proctor’s Fun Fair with a variety of rides and side shows.

The star of the show this year is Epico the Dragon, he is big, bright and magical, and visitors will all be able to have their photo with him if they’d like to, so don’t forget to bring your camera or phone to capture your meeting.

Head to the Medieval encampment in the grounds of the Crooked Spire Church to see living history with knights and ladies, a troop march and even a skirmish or two. Plus, visitors can look out for a Tudor musician, a jester and a storyteller around the town centre too.

The museum team will also be on hand to showcase Medieval handling objects as well as crafts and a fletcher (a maker of arrows).

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s, Cabinet Member for Town Centres and Visitor Economy, said: “This is a great day out for all the family. There are not many things you can do for free to entertain the kids, so this makes the Medieval Fun Day even more special.

“By visiting the event you can step back in time to the Middle Ages, and see history brought to life by the different re-enactors. This event attracts crowds from Chesterfield and beyond, so please allow extra time to park in one of our local car parks, or consider using public transport instead.”

To support the Medieval Fun Day this year, Little Hummingbird Events, will be hosting around 35 additional market stalls in New Square featuring a range of unique products created by makers and crafters.

Nicola Hudson, a director of Little Hummingbird Events, said: “We pride ourselves in supporting the small independents and the crafters amongst us. Makers Markets are becoming increasingly popular with gifts and items that are simply not found elsewhere on the high street. Often these makers create products in their downtime or as a hobby but for some it is their livelihood. We are passionate about supporting them with a platform to trade and we are all excited about being part of the wonderfully successful Medieval Fun Day in the heart of Chesterfield.”

So far stalls booked include leather makers, crocheters, knitters, resin jewellery, dog tags and accessories. There will also be pies, breads and savouries and some sweet bakers too.

More information about both the Fun Day and the additional market will be shared closer to the time.

Medieval Fun Day 2022

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Young people help create ‘Garden of Imagination’ for new Festival

Children from Spire Junior School, Sharley Park Community Primary School, and New Bolsover Primary School have been working with artists to create an immersive art piece called The Garden of Imagination.

Junction Arts have commissioned the  ‘Garden of Imagination’ for the Chesterfield Children’s Festival. Theatre practitioner Monika Johnson, musician Phil Pearson and visual artist Rachel Scanlon are creating the immersive art piece.

Taking the form of a children’s bedroom at the festival for children to enjoy and engage with. There will be elements to play with, including sound sensors and fantasy characters.

The artists spoke to local primary schools to share ideas with the children about childhood and play. Collecting stories from the children to create a performance that will run alongside the “Garden of Imagination”.

Artist Monika Johnson said: “We are excited to work with Junction Arts to create a new immersive children’s theatre piece.

“We are creating a bedroom outside! It’s a bit of a tipsy topsy dream-like setting with some strange items in unusual places. We hope that families will enjoy interacting and playing with our set.   They will be able to change the music and sound effects themselves and become part of the performance.

Chesterfield Children’s Festival

The Chesterfield Children’s Festival will take place at Queen’s Park on the 29th and 30th of July, from 10 am – 4 pm daily.

The festival is free to attend and will have family-friendly acts and activities taking place over the weekend. These will include a silent disco tour, an interactive game zone, a comedy club, circus skills, storytime yoga, tie-dye workshops, face painting, and live music.

Music and live theatre will also take place in and around the town centre during the festival weekend.

For more information visit: www.junctionarts.org or follow Junction Arts on social media @JunctionArtsUK

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.

Garden of Imagination workshop at Spire Junior

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Chair’s Blog: “There has never been a better time to support our town”

Summer is just around the corner, and it’s that time of year when people begin to plan their holidays. In 2023, however, you won’t need to look very far for all the fun and entertainment you could possibly want.

With an abundance of events coming to Chesterfield to match all tastes, there has never been a better time to support our town and help showcase what an excellent visitor destination we have.

This summer, we will see the return of firm favourites such as the BRM Solicitors Festival of Cricket, with the crunch fixture between Derbyshire and Yorkshire set to pack out the beautiful Queen’s Park once again. Thousands will flock to Chesterfield Pride, which is one of the largest events of its type in the entire region. Furthermore, our marketplace will welcome families from all over the country as the Medieval Fun Day returns in July.

We’re not stopping there though. A multitude of new events are coming to the town this year. The world-renowned Peddler Market will appear in our town for the first time – a real achievement for Chesterfield and a sign of the confidence in our area’s strong visitor offer.

Junction Arts will launch The Chesterfield Children’s Festival in Queen’s Park too, attracting families for a great weekend of outdoor fun this July.

Destination Chesterfield is again launching its Summer in Chesterfield campaign this month, aiming to highlight all these magnificent events and activities.

On top of that, we’re continuing to champion our increasingly popular independent food and drink offer. When you go into town or along the famous ‘Brampton Mile’ nowadays, you’ll find many of our wonderful pubs, bars and restaurants – full to the brim. Proof that you don’t need to travel to a city for a great evening out.

Everyone needs to continue supporting and championing local where we can. In a world of online shopping, there is no doubt that our high streets are changing. We must continue backing our independent shops, bars, restaurants and markets.

Whilst it’s understandable that people are having to be more prudent due to the cost of living, I’m delighted to report that you needn’t go on an expensive holiday abroad to have fun. We can create memories to last a lifetime right here, in our beautiful market town, surrounded by the stunning backdrop of the world-famous Peak District.

I look forward to seeing you at one of our town’s many exciting events this summer. Hopefully, we’ll get a nice dose of sunshine to go with them too!

peter swallow

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Create memories to last a lifetime this summer in Chesterfield

Make memories in Chesterfield this summer – with a packed events line up, including new family festivals, the return of some old favourites and lots of activities that everyone can take part in.

Chesterfield Borough Council and Destination Chesterfield have today launched Summer in Chesterfield, a campaign that will highlight all the fantastic things happening across the town this summer.

The campaign will support the town’s businesses by promoting what is happening in and around Chesterfield on social media, via website content and e-newsletters to communicate to as many residents, visitors and business owners as possible. There will also be prizes to win throughout the summer.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Town Centres and Visitor Economy said: “Chesterfield has so much to offer, that it’s easy to plan fun things to do to make memories with your friends and families. We’ve got some great ticketed events which are new to Chesterfield but also the return of some familiar favourites. But we’ll also be promoting some great free activities and events to help ensure everyone can make memories together this summer.

“We have fantastic parks, lots of places to picnic, markets to wander around and a range of events many of which have no cost attached at all. The popular Medieval Fun Day will include a range of entertainment around the town, and many people return year after year to attend this.”

Peter Swallow, Destination Chesterfield Chair, said: “This summer is a great opportunity to create memories to last a lifetime in our beautiful market town, while supporting our fabulous independent retailers and venues.

“With an abundance of events and activities coming to Chesterfield to match all tastes, there has never been a better time to support our town and help showcase what an excellent visitor destination we have. Hopefully, we will get a nice dose of sunshine to go with them too!”

Events and festivals

Summer in Chesterfield events

Chesterfield is welcoming back popular events, but there are also some new events to make memories at this summer.

The BRM Solicitors Chesterfield Festival of Cricket, will return to Queen’s Park from 11 – 18 June, with the T20 game on Sunday 18 June expected to sell out once again.

Chesterfield Canal Festival will see all four tripboats in action over the weekend of 24 – 25 June, with two having wheelchair lifts, as well as concerts in the evening canoeing, mini diggers and more.

The Plastic Free Festival returns on Sunday 16 July, where you can learn how to reduce your single use plastic and have a fun family day out with craft workshops, kids entertainment, food, drink, and live performances.

Indulge in street food as well as enjoying live music and bubble magicians at the free two-day Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival which takes place in Queen’s Park from 22- 23 July.

One of the biggest pride festivals in the region, Chesterfield Pride will take place in Stand Road Park once again on 23 July, featuring headline acts A1 and Tinchy Stryder.

The popular Medieval Fun Day is returning to entertain the crowds on Tuesday 25 July, from 10am to 4pm in Chesterfield town centre. The Market Place will be full of stalls selling a range of goods as well as fun and games for children in the same location. Head to the medieval encampment in the grounds of the Crooked Spire Church to see knights in battle or look out for the medieval themed entertainment, including Epico the Dragon, a jester and a Tudor musician, across the town centre.

Celebrate imagination and play at the Children’s Festival, organised by Junction Arts from 29 – 30 July with entertainment to include a circus, story time yoga, silent disco and much more.

For foodies, tribute bands and local musicians, head to Eat in the Park in Queen’s Park from 5 – 6 August.

You can find out more about all the events happening and how you can get involved on the Summer in Chesterfield page: www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer

Great outdoors

Summer in Chesterfield outdoors

If you are a fan of the great outdoors there is a lot to experience from cycling adventures to, big hikes and even paddle sports with many activities being free to go along to.

Chesterfield has a range of organised walks throughout the week that are open to everyone, and two Parkruns for those who fancy something slightly more involved. You can also find local self-led walking routes that will take you into the countryside and Peak District through the Summer in Chesterfield campaign.

Get out on the water with the Chesterfield Canal Trust and try out paddle sports or cruise up the historic canal on one of the trust’s tripboats. You can also take in an unrivalled view of the town and the surrounding countryside with a tower tour at the Crooked Spire.

Shopping and markets

Summer in Chesterfield shopping

Visitors will be able to enjoy one of the country’s leading street food markets when Peddler Market takes over New Square from 23 June – 24 June. Come along to sample award winning street food, craft drinks, music, art, and family activities.

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. A variety of specialist markets are taking place throughout the year too including the record fair, artisan market, young person’s market, and the vegan market amongst others.

Shopping in Chesterfield is a great experience both in the town centre and just outside on Chatsworth Road and Whittington Moor. We have a number of well-known chain stores, and a fantastic selection of independent retailers who are happy to offer gift advice where needed. The Summer in Chesterfield campaign includes details of 50 independent retailers to try.

Food and drink

Pizza pi

If you are planning a special family meal out, or a night out with friends there are many different food and drink venues in Chesterfield for you to experience.

Check out the Summer in Chesterfield campaign’s blog detailing 50 different restaurants, cafes and bars to try.

For more ideas to make memories with family and friends this summer in Chesterfield, visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer.

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Unusual markings designed to ‘ward off witches’ discovered at historic Chesterfield landmark

A series of unusual markings on the fireplace at Chesterfield’s Revolution House have been officially confirmed as protection marks designed to ward off witches.

The apotropaic markings (commonly referred to as anti-witch marks) depict a double ‘V’ which is a reference to the Virgin Mary Protector of Life and Family. Markings like this were usually placed near openings or windows with the intention of keeping witches and evil spirits out.

The unusual markings were spotted by one of the museum team who photographed them and sent the images to Professor Ronald Hutton, who kindly identified them.

Professor Ronald Hutton, a professor at the University of Bristol and leading authority on folklore, said: “These are convincing examples of apotropaic markings. The interlocked VVs are absolutely standard. The others are harder to make out but could correspond to more than one other known type of mark in the repertoire.”

Revolution House was originally constructed as a farmhouse in the 16th century and later became an inn during the 17th century – during this period there was a heightened belief in witches and witchcraft.

On Sunday 11 June Revolution House will be hosting a Witchcraft event. Visitors will be able to learn all about the 17th century witch hunts and get hands on to create their own witch pot.

Like apotropaic markings, witch pots were believed to protect your family and house from an attack by a witch’s curse and ensure you came to no harm.

Witch Marks at Revolution House

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We already knew that Revolution House had a rich history but this is an interesting discovery that tells us more about the people who have used the building in the past.

“We’ve been planning the Witchcraft event for a while and this discovery makes it even more relevant – the event is set to be a great day out for everyone and I hope lots of you will come along and make your own witch pot.”

The Witchcraft event is free to attend but donations are welcome and takes place on Sunday 11 June between 11am and 4pm. Creating a witch pot will be a drop-in session and visitors will be treated on a first come first served basis.

Other events are planned at the house each month throughout the summer including the return of legendary Tudor Minstrel Dante Ferrara, a demonstration of the healing properties of herbs and a display showing a selection of the council’s collection of sketches and art by Joseph Syddall.

You can find out more about Revolution House and the events planned by visiting: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/explore-chesterfield/revolution-house

Revolution House

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