Chesterfield museum

Chesterfield Menagerie exhibition to celebrate our relationship with animals

A new museum exhibition coming to Chesterfield will celebrate the extraordinary relationship between humans and animals.

Chesterfield Menagerie includes a wide range of items from the Chesterfield Museum collection which show humans connections with animals. It includes a beautiful Brampton salt glaze fish flask, ‘The Plough’ a stunning painting by Joseph Syddall, a wonderful figurine of a Chicken by William Gordon and much more.

painting by local artist depicts an old ploughing method using horses

There will be fun activities and interactive elements for the whole family to enjoy including handling items, feely boxes, a sound board of animal calls, a magnetic board matching activity and animal related crafts.

The exhibition will be hosted in the Grade 2 listed Assembly Rooms above the Market Hall from Friday 13 September until Tuesday 12 October, and open from 10am to 2.30pm weekdays, and from 10am to 4pm on Saturdays. It is free to enter.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for our residents and visitors to learn more about our borough’s history and see some incredible things that have been created right here. We want lots of people to come along and support this exhibition and we’ve made sure that there is something for everyone to enjoy.”

Museum fish exhibit

In addition, there will also be a selection of free special events hosted during the exhibition.

Chester the Field Mouse will be visiting the exhibition, meeting fans and posing for pictures on Saturday 14 September from 1pm to 2.15pm.

On Saturday 21 September, Kakou will be hosting a workshop where visitors can create their own art bot. This simple robot will wobble across paper and create a unique drawing. Sessions are being held at 11am, 12pm and 1pm.

As we approach the autumn months visitors will be able to learn more about birds and bees, including how to identify bees, how birds build nests, and they will be able to build their own bird feeder to take away and hang up in their garden. Visitors will be able to take part in this activity on Saturday 28 September from 1pm to 3pm.

The exhibition is hosted in the town centre making it easily accessible by public transport and the venue also includes a lift to ensure that visitors of all abilities can access the exhibition. Further work is being undertaken to provide the exhibition materials in different formats.

The Chesterfield Menagerie exhibition is part of a programme of events and exhibitions that are being funded by Arts Council England.

It aims to ensure that whilst Chesterfield Museum and the Pomegranate Theatre are closed for refurbishment residents and visitors can still connect with our borough’s history and culture.

Over the next year the programme will include a series of museum exhibitions at venues across the borough and range of theatre productions at the Winding Wheel Theatre. To find out more about the programme visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/explore-chesterfield/museum/arts-council-england-programme

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Exhibitions to connect Chesterfield communities with history and culture

A new programme of events and exhibitions will celebrate history and culture in Chesterfield.

Chesterfield Borough Council has received funding from Arts Council England to host a variety of museum exhibitions being held at partner venues across the borough and a series of plays at the Winding Wheel Theatre. The programme will run until August 2025.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Whilst Chesterfield Museum and the Pomegranate Theatre are closed for refurbishment this is a fantastic opportunity to ensure that our residents can still connect with our history and culture.

“There is lots planned as part of this programme, but we’ve ensured all the exhibitions are family friendly with interactive activities to try. We’ve also put together a great schedule of plays with some classics as well as a selection of contemporary tales. We want lots of people to come along and support these events – keep an eye on our website and social media for more details about everything taking place over the next year.”

Peter Knott, Midlands Area Director at Arts Council England, said: “We’re delighted to award Chesterfield Borough Council £98,750 to provide a programme of creative and cultural activities for the community to enjoy while the town’s museum and Pomegranate Theatre are closed for a major renovation project.

“This National Lottery funding will support exhibitions, theatre, activities and events at venues across the borough, ensuring local people can continue to be inspired by museum collections, delve into local history and take part in enriching creative and cultural activities on their doorstep.”

The programme will kick off in September with the Chesterfield Menagerie exhibition being held in the Assembly Rooms. At this free exhibition, members of the public will be able to see some of the many animal-themed works within the museum collection and take part in some great family-friendly activities.

Chesterfield Town Hall in the evening, with a lit lampost

In October the museum team will set up an interactive Romans exhibition in Hasland Village Hall before a final exhibition for 2024 in Old Whittington which will focus on the Victorians. The exhibitions will showcase Chesterfield’s history during these periods, and there will also be interactive activities like dressing up and handling objects.

In 2025 exhibitions will include the Tudors, Vikings, Medieval and a look at the ‘Extraordinary Women’ who put our town on the map.

At the Winding Wheel Theatre, Rumpus Theatre Company will be bringing the classic George Bernard Shaw comedy, Arms and the Man, to audiences on Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 October.

Winding Wheel

Then on Wednesday 23 October, the Red Ladder Theatre Company will be presenting ‘We’re Not Going Back’, a funny yet moving musical tale of three sisters set in the 1984/85 miners’ strike. In 2025 the theatre will be hosting three more plays as part of this programme.

Chesterfield Museum and the Pomegranate Theatre is being transformed as part of a multi-million pound renovation project to create a modern visitor experience in the heart of the town centre.

The refurbished hall will bring together an extended Theatre, a reconfigured and modern museum, alongside new gallery space, a café bar, education and community facilities.

Funding for the project has been provided through the Government’s Levelling Up Fund with additional funding from Arts Council England’s Capital Investment Programme to install a ventilation system in the theatre auditorium and create a new Changing Places toilet.

To find out more about the transformation of Stephenson Memorial Hall visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/stephenson-memorial-hall

All the museum exhibitions happening around the borough over the next year will be listed on: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/museum

To find out more about performances at the Winding Wheel Theatre and to book tickets visit: www.chesterfieldtheatres.com

painting by local artist depicts an old ploughing method using horses

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Residents invited to share memories of Chesterfield pop culture for museum project

Chesterfield residents are being invited to take part in a new project that aims to involve local people in a celebration of pop culture and community memory.

Project REVERB aims to collect images, ephemera and oral history recordings which can then be used to inspire works of art which will form the basis of a future exhibition. Chesterfield Museum is currently working on the exciting project with oral history recordist and artist, John Hall from Artspace.

On Sunday 8 October from 11am to 3pm, Chesterfield Museum and REVERB will be in the Pavements Shopping Centre, hosting the first event which coincides with the Chesterfield Record Fair. As well as a place to reminisce and chat to the team, there will also be interactive activities designed to spark musical memories, including a large memory map and a fun badge-making activity.

Record Fair 2

Chesterfield Record Fair

John Hall said: “As well as the big names, Chesterfield has produced loads of its own bands, promoters, fanzines, and DJs. It has had- and still has- great independent record shops, and atmospheric venues that have supported the endless cycle of scenes and trends over the decades, all important to the vitality and changing flavour of the town’s pop culture and identity.

“We are looking for the evidence of all these years of local creativity – the stuff in the back of the drawer, in the scrapbook, or maybe framed on the wall. The stuff you just can’t throw away because of the magic it contains and the memories it can summon.

“Let’s see what you’ve got, and if there’s a story, let’s hear that too.”

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We’re really excited to be working with John Hall on this project. Our town has a rich cultural history with a host of huge names performing over the years. I hope lots of you will take part in this project and help ensure that your memories can live on for years to come.”

Eventually the project aims to present an exhibition which draws on memories of the local pop scene using images, ephemera (collectable items that were expected to have a short-term usefulness), and oral history recordings to inspire works of art, photography, sound, and film.

The project team are interested in collecting digital scans and photographs of items including posters, leaflets, autographs, photos, tickets, record / music shop bags, fliers, locally produced records, live tapes, badges and more.

Booking is not required for the event on Sunday 8 October.

Hudson's Records Bag

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Chesterfield Museum collection to inspire local students

Students in the Art and Design Faculty at Chesterfield College are using Chesterfield Museum’s collections as part of a new project for the spring term.

On Friday 3 February the museum team took a beautiful example of a traditional celebratory ‘Posset Pot’ into the college for students to study and then use as an object of inspiration for their own work during the next term.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “It’s fantastic to see our museum team working closely with Chesterfield College. Whilst the Museum remains closed for a multi-million-pound renovation it’s important that we work with our partners and explore alternative routes to help ensure local people can connect with our shared history.”

Dating back as far as the 1400s, Posset Pots were a traditional decorative ceramic to celebrate special occasions.

Posset, a popular hot spiced drink made of milk curdled with wine or ale, was shared between guests and everyone drank from the Posset Pot. It was brought out at Christmas or anniversaries, but most often the Posset Pot would be used at the celebration toast of weddings, which is why most of the examples in the Museum’s collection are decorated with the names of the happy couple.

Tracey Heyes, Art and Design Lecturer at Chesterfield College, said: “The students are looking forward to working with Chesterfield Museum in this capacity and are excited at the prospect of using the Posset Pot as a starting point for their individual projects.”

Chesterfield Museum is closed for a multi-million-pound renovation that aims to create an enhanced visitor experience, but whilst it is closed the museum team are working with partners ensure the collection can still be enjoyed by the community.

Outreach cases featuring some fascinating objects from the collection are being displayed at different Borough Council sites around the borough (Visitor Information Centre, Market Hall, Town Hall, Queen’s Park Sports Centre and Staveley Healthy Living Centre). The museum team will also be attending and hosting activities at public events happening throughout the year and is working with partners, including Chesterfield College, to present exhibitions, workshops, and events in the future.

The ambitious renovation of Stephenson Memorial Hall which houses both Chesterfield Museum and the Pomegranate Theatre will bring together an extended theatre, a reconfigured museum, new gallery space, a café bar, and education and community facilities. The work will also protect the Grade II listed building, improve accessibility, to ensure that it remains part of the borough’s heritage for many more generations to come.

Funding for the project has been secured through the Government’s Levelling Up Fund with additional funding from Arts Council England.

Find out more about the plans for Chesterfield Museum by visiting: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/revitalise

Posset Pots from the Museum collection

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Plans approved for Stephenson Memorial Hall

Ambitious plans to refurbish Chesterfield’s historic Stephenson Memorial Hall, which houses the museum and the Pomegranate Theatre have been approved by Chesterfield Borough Council’s planning committee.

This approval means that Chesterfield Museum is now closed to begin the complex process of moving the historic collection into safe storage.

The refurbishment of Stephenson Memorial Hall is projected to cost around £17 million with £11 million of funding being secured via the Government’s Levelling Up Fund. Chesterfield Borough Council has received almost £20 million through this Government fund, the other £8 million will be used to support and enhance the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield Project.

Together this funding will help ensure that Chesterfield is a vibrant market town by improving connections across the town centre and enhancing the visitor economy.

Under the plans the refurbished Stephenson Memorial Hall will bring together an extended Pomegranate Theatre, a reconfigured and modern museum, alongside new gallery space, a café bar, education and community facilities.

The work will also protect the Grade II listed building and ensure that it remains part of the borough’s heritage for many more generations to come.

Creating a more accessible experience is another key aim of the proposals. The plans include three new lifts which will significantly improve the accessibility of the building for visitors, artists, and employees.

Also included in the plans are improvements to lighting, heating, and ventilation.

Revolution House, which tells the story of the Revolution of 1688, will reopen on Friday 15 April. The free museum will then be open every Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday from 11am to 4pm until Sunday 18 September.

Chesterfield Museum will also be launching Museum on the Move later this year, this will see some of the popular interactive events hosted in alternative venues around the borough. More details on these events will be released soon.

Whilst the Museum collection is moved the Pomegranate Theatre will continue to operate as normal and tickets can be booked by calling the box office on 01246 345 222 or by visiting the Chesterfield Theatres website.

More detail on the ambitious plans will be outlined by Chesterfield Borough Council’s Director of Economic Growth, Neil Johnson at Celebrate Chesterfield 2022 taking place on Wednesday, 23rd March.

To find out more about the event and book your place, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/celebrate/

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Chesterfield Museum prepares for multi-million pound renovation

Chesterfield Museum is set to close in preparation for a multi-million-pound renovation project that will create an enhanced and improved customer experience.

It is the next step in the refurbishment of Chesterfield’s historic Stephenson Memorial Hall, which houses the museum and The Pomegranate Theatre.

Proposals for the renovation of the Grade 2 listed building are due to go before Chesterfield Borough Council’s Planning Committee on Monday 28 February and, if approved, the museum will close from Tuesday 1 March to begin the complex process of moving the historic collection into safe storage.

The project is projected to cost around £15 million with £11 million of funding being secured via the Government’s Levelling Up Fund. Chesterfield Borough Council has received almost £20 million through this Government fund, the other £8 million will be used to support and enhance the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield Project.

Together this funding will help ensure that Chesterfield is a vibrant market town by improving connections across the town centre and enhancing the visitor economy.

Under the plans the refurbished Stephenson Memorial Hall will bring together an extended Pomegranate Theatre, a reconfigured and modern museum, alongside new gallery space, a café bar, education and community facilities.

The work will also protect the Grade 2 listed building and ensure that it remains part of the borough’s heritage for many more generations to come.

Creating a more accessible experience is another key aim of the proposals. The plans include a new lift which would help disabled guests access the circle and upper museum floors and to compliment this there would be an increased number of wheelchair spaces within the theatre.

Also included in the plans are improvements to lighting, heating, and ventilation.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, explained: “Stephenson Memorial Hall is one of our most striking buildings and these exciting plans are set to make it even more memorable and enjoyable – creating a modern visitor experience in the heart of our town centre.

“Our wonderful museum is a central part of the building and we’re now preparing for the huge and complex task of moving thousands of treasured items that are in our local collections to a safe, temporary home. Subject to planning approval, the museum will close at the start of March, and building work is set to begin later in the year.”

Items in the collection will be securely stored in a controlled environment to ensure preservation. One of the signature pieces, the medieval builder’s wheel, will be stored with a specialist renovator who will clean it whilst work progresses in the building.

Councillor Sarvent added: “We’re working hard to make sure people will still be able to enjoy our theatre and museum attractions in new and innovative ways while the transformation of the building is carried out.

“Our team at the museum regularly host interactive activities and events to help all members of our community connect with our history and we’re exploring even more ways to do this over the coming years – you’ll be able to find out more about our plans on our website and social media pages soon.”

Revolution House, which tells the story of the Revolution of 1688, will reopen on Friday 15 April. The free museum will then be open every Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday from 11am to 4pm until Sunday 18 September.

Whilst the Museum collection is moved the Pomegranate Theatre will continue to operate as normal and tickets can be booked by calling the box office on 01246 345 222 or by visiting www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk.

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Residents and visitors can discover the Victorians at Chesterfield Museum

A new exhibition at Chesterfield Museum aims to explore what life was like during the Victorian period.

The Victorians covers different aspects of life including work, education, health and hygiene, clothing, and leisure time. The exhibition is available to view until Saturday 26 February.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “This is a fantastic exhibition with lots of activities for the whole family to get involved with. It’s a great way of learning about how different life was during the Victorian era. If you’re looking for something to do over the Christmas holidays then this is an incredible free experience that everyone can enjoy.”

There are lots of unusual items that visitors may not have seen before, including a praxinoscope – which is an old animation device. The exhibition covers all aspects of Victorian life and includes some of the nasty truths behind Victorian cuisine.

It also contains a selection of Victorian toys that children can get hands on with. There are also activities including a Victorian style handwriting challenge and a design your own cross-stich activity sheet.

Chesterfield Museum is open Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Entry is free but donations are welcome.

It was also announced that Chesterfield Museum and the Pomegranate Theatre are set to undergo major transformation in the near future, as a result of the town’s winning bid to the government’s levelling-up fund.

Find out more about the funding for Stephenson Memorial Hall and Chesterfield Town Centre at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/stepheson-memorial-hall-refurbishment/

There is plenty to enjoy her in Chesterfield throughout the festive season too. From fun festive events, to the magical Christmas In Chesterfield Elf Trail and more. Get all the information on those, on top of fabulous local shopping guides, head over to https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/christmas/

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Rediscover everything that’s great about Chesterfield

Residents in Chesterfield are encouraged to get together this half-term and rediscover everything that’s great about the borough.

Whether that be revisiting an old favourite or discovering something new, residents are being urged to seek out shops, cafes, bars and restaurants that are unique to the borough – and the October half-term break is the perfect chance for the whole family to get together and rediscover what’s great about Chesterfield.

As well as supporting local businesses, there’s also plenty to keep the whole family entertained this half-term, including the return of the popular 1940’s market on Thursday 28 October.

Families can also enjoy a trip to Chesterfield Museum where they will have a final chance to check out the popular ‘Put That Light Out’ Exhibition and discover what life in Chesterfield was like during World War Two. There’s also a chance to explore the stories, experiences and contributions of the African and Caribbean Community in Chesterfield in the latest exhibition, ‘Chesterfield Black Stories’ which is presented in partnership with ACCA.

More information on events during half-term can be found at www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/half-term-in-chesterfield.

The ‘Love Chesterfield’ campaign was launched earlier this year by Chesterfield Borough Council, in partnership with Destination Chesterfield to support the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors as national restrictions eased, to encourage residents to celebrate Chesterfield’s local businesses.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “There’s lots to love here in Chesterfield and we love shining the spotlight on our local businesses. Since the launch of our Love Chesterfield campaign earlier this year, and as restrictions eased, we’ve already seen a positive return of customers to the borough’s high streets and we’re urging everyone to continue shopping locally and safely.

“The past 18 months have been incredibly difficult for our local businesses so it’s important that we continue to support them as much as we can.

“In the town centre alone, there are around 200 independent retailers where you’ll find a range of unique, quirky and exciting gifts and products that you simply wouldn’t find anywhere else. Add to these to the numerous markets that the town centre supports and there really is something for everyone to discover.

“And not forgetting the variety of cafes, bars and restaurants that are available, Chesterfield has a quiet food revolution happening so you’ll be spoilt for choice when dining out in the borough.”

More information on dining out in Chesterfield can be found at https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfield/

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “It’s a very exciting time for the town in its recovery from the pandemic. The Love Chesterfield campaign is a great opportunity for people to rediscover the town centre and all that it has to offer.

“With lockdown restrictions lifted and Christmas only weeks away there has never been a better time to get out and about and support local businesses in their recovery. From places to eat and drink to major retailers and quirky independents shops and market stalls, there is a multitude of reasons for people to Love Chesterfield as a place to shop and socialise.”

As part of the Love Chesterfield campaign, businesses are being supported to boost their profile. Independent shops, bars and eateries are among the businesses encouraged to take advantage of a new #LoveChesterfield support pack, featuring a range of free marketing materials which they can use to collectively celebrate the unique products and experiences available in the borough.

The pack includes a range of customisable images and resources for businesses to use on their social media, posters and window vinyl designs – all of which can be downloaded for free at www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfield/business-support-pack.

The Love Chesterfield awards took place on Wednesday 20 October. The awards celebrate the town’s favourite food, drink and retail businesses, and also recognise outstanding local entrepreneurs, regeneration work, business contribution to the local community, apprenticeships and sustainability. More information including details of the winners can be found at https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/.

 

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Chesterfield Museum opens exhibition celebrating the town’s black community

Chesterfield Museum have joined forces with the Chesterfield African Caribbean Community Association (ACCA) to launch a new exhibition that will help residents learn about the history and experiences of Chesterfield’s black community.

The exhibition was opened by Chesterfield’s Mayor Councillor Glenys Falconer on Friday 1 October to celebrate the start of Black History Month.

It aims to tell the story of Chesterfield’s Windrush Generation, highlighting the challenges they faced when establishing new lives in Chesterfield and how they overcame these. It also looks at younger generations experiences of living in the town.

The exhibition includes powerful video interviews with members of the community who share their memories and experiences. On display will be personal items and memorabilia as well as special awards received.

Councillor Lud Ramsey, who represents Spire Ward at Derbyshire County Council and is the Chair of ACCA said: “Local History is an important subject that should always be explored and studied. However, some bits of history always seem to be left out or forgotten.

“ACCA and Chesterfield Museum have worked together to inform the public about the contribution the black community has made to Chesterfield.

“Our exhibition will be displayed at the museum during Black History Month to enhance everyone’s knowledge about some of the experiences and stories of the black community in our town as well as highlighting their positive achievements and contributions.”

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said: “It’s important that we use our Museum to help people learn about our history and we should not exclude any part. This is an important exhibition and there is lots to learn and understand.”

The exhibition is open to the public until 15 January 2022.

Chesterfield Museum is open Mondays and Thursday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Entry is free but donations are welcome.

 

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Residents offered the chance to go ‘behind the scenes’ at iconic Chesterfield buildings

Residents and visitors in Chesterfield will have the opportunity to go behind the scenes at a some of the town’s iconic buildings this September, as part of the Heritage Open Days event taking place across the country.

Heritage Open Days take place every September and see organisations and volunteers across the country organise events to celebrate the nation’s history and culture.

To celebrate the initiative this year, Chesterfield Borough Council is opening the doors to a number of its venues for people to explore.

Mayor’s parlour and council chamber tours

Residents will have the opportunity to visit the mayor’s parlour and council chamber where the Chesterfield Mayor and Consort – Councillor Glenys Falconer and Councillor Keith Falconer – will be on hand to talk about their roles at the council, including chairing full council meetings and the duties they carry out on a weekly basis.

Two tours will take place at 11am on both Thursday 16 September and Friday 17 September and will take around an hour and a half to complete. People can register to attend one of the tours by contacting Leanne Mowbray, member and civic support officer, on 01246 345239, or by email at: Mayors.Office@chesterfield.gov.uk.  Places are limited, so booking is essential.

Revolution House

Revolution House will also be re-opening its doors and welcoming visitors back for the first time since December 2019 for two Heritage Open Days. Visitors can come along between 11am and 3pm on Sunday 12 and Sunday 19 September to find out more about the history of the House. The House takes its name from the Revolution of 1688 when three local noblemen met to begin planning their part in events which led to the overthrow of King James II in favour of William and Mary of Orange.

Entry to the House is free, but donations are welcome.

Chesterfield Museum stores

There will also be an opportunity to go behind the scenes and explore one of Chesterfield Museum’s offsite stores. On Saturday 11 September visitors will have the chance to discover some of the larger items collected by the museum that would be difficult to display in the museum itself. The tour will also explore how the museum looks after the town’s collection so the objects can be enjoyed by generations to come.

The tour will take place at Unit 1, Calow Brook Drive, Off Calow Lane, Hasland, Chesterfield, S41 0DR. Booking is not required and visitors just need to arrive by 11am to join the tour.

For those unable to attend the behind-the-scenes events, the team at Chesterfield Museum will be posting a video online which explores fascinating parts of history. Working with History’s Maid, the latest video which will be shared is ‘History of Tea’ – from Catherine of Braganaza to the two world wars, tea has been a British necessity. For more information or to view the video visit the Chesterfield Museum Facebook page or www.chesterfield.gov.uk.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Heritage Open Days provide an exciting and interesting way to learn more about key venues, the history and how they operate on a day-to-day basis so we are really pleased to be opening the doors to some of our key venues so people can explore.

“We hope that plenty of residents and visitors will take the opportunity to take a look behind the scenes and find out more about the history of our borough.”

For more information on the Heritage Open Days, visit www.visitchesterfield.info/whats-on

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Chesterfield cultural venues receive a further funding boost

Chesterfield Theatres and Chesterfield Museum have received a further funding boost to help support them through the Covid-19 restrictions and ensure they can continue offering unique experiences for Chesterfield residents and visitors.

This funding, received through the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund, is worth £153,000 which will be shared between the museum and theatres. In total the venues have received more than £500,000 through this fund over the last year.

Anthony Radford, Chesterfield Borough Council’s arts and venues manager, said: “We are delighted that we have been awarded a further grant of £153,000 from the Culture Recovery Fund. We are extremely grateful for this grant which is a contribution towards the operational costs of Chesterfield Theatres and Chesterfield Museum during the period April to June 2021.

“It is hoped that the Pomegranate Theatre and Chesterfield Museum will be able to re-open during the week commencing 17 May 2021 as per the Government re-opening roadmap. The grant will enable us to re-open during a period when expected income is at a lower level than normal due to the expected restrictions in place.

“The grants received from the Culture Recovery Fund have provided essential support for the provision of cultural services in Chesterfield during the Covid-19 pandemic, and have ensured that Chesterfield Theatres and Chesterfield Museum can play an important role in the cultural life of the town as the community starts to recover.”

Oliver Dowden, Culture Secretary, said: “Our record breaking Culture Recovery Fund has already helped thousands of culture and heritage organisations across the country survive the biggest crisis they’ve ever faced.

“Now we’re staying by their side as they prepare to welcome the public back through their doors – helping our cultural gems plan for reopening and thrive in the better times ahead.”

Sir Nicholas Serota, Chair, Arts Council England, said: “Investing in a thriving cultural sector at the heart of communities is a vital part of helping the whole country to recover from the pandemic. These grants will help to re-open theatres, concert halls, and museums and will give artists and companies the opportunity to begin making new work.

“We are grateful to the Government for this support and for recognising the paramount importance of culture to our sense of belonging and identity as individuals and as a society.”

Culture creates jobs, supports livelihoods, and brings joy to everyone. The UK leads the world in the creative industries, and culture is vital not only to the local economy but also to the Chesterfield community.

The Culture Recovery Fund is an unprecedented investment from the government in the cultural sector to show it is #HereForCulture and so the sector can weather the storm of coronavirus and come back stronger.

The funding awarded today is from a £400 million pot which was held back last year to ensure the Culture Recovery Fund could continue to help organisations in need as the public health picture changed. The funding has been awarded by Arts Council England, as well as Historic England and National Lottery Heritage Fund and the British Film Institute.

The Grade II-listed theatres, Pomegranate Theatre and Winding Wheel Theatre, offer a broad range of events, which includes drama, musicals, dance, comedy, concerts, talks and cinema.

The theatres opened successfully for a brief period under Covid-19 restrictions during 2020, before having to close again in November. However, they are looking forward to reopening and have an exciting programme of shows throughout the rest of 2021.

Chesterfield Museum tells the story of Chesterfield, from its beginnings as a Roman fort, the expansion of the Market and the Industrial Revolution, which brought ‘Father of the Railways’, George Stephenson, to town.

The Museum regularly holds a wide range of events for the whole family to enjoy. It also holds regular special exhibitions that explore different areas of history.

Whilst the Museum has still not reopened since closing in March 2020, the team have continued to create online events and activities to help people connect with the history of Chesterfield.

Both Chesterfield Theatres and Chesterfield Museum are proudly owned and managed by Chesterfield Borough Council.

Find out more about the performances planned at Chesterfield Theatres and book tickets by visiting www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk  or by calling the Box Office on 01246 345 222.

For more information on online activities and events planned by Chesterfield Museum, please visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/museum.

The Culture Recovery Fund is administered by Arts Council England, learn more about this funding by visiting: www.artscouncil.org.uk/CRFgrants

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