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

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

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

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

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.