chesterfield tourism

Shortlist revealed for 2023 Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards

The shortlist for the 2023 Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards has been revealed, showcasing excellence and outstanding achievement across the area’s tourism and hospitality sector.

Finalists have been announced in 15 categories celebrating the best of the visitor economy in the Peak District and Derbyshire, from attractions and accommodation providers to unique experiences and great places to eat and drink.

Shortlisted businesses will now go forward to the final round of independent judging before winners are revealed at a glittering awards ceremony at Casa Hotel, Chesterfield on Thursday 2nd March 2023.

Organised for the third year by Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, and supported by the European Regional Development Fund, the 2023 awards will celebrate the success and resilience of tourism businesses whilst highlighting the sector’s vital contribution to the local economy.

At the awards evening, all Gold winners will be presented with a luxury award designed and made by Derbyshire-based C W Sellors Fine Jewellery & Luxury Watches, whilst Silver and Bronze winners will each receive a certificate identifying them as one of the best tourism businesses in the area.

In a further boost, Gold winners in each of the 13 core categories will automatically progress onto the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2023, which represent the highest accolades in English tourism.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, says: “The Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards are a fantastic celebration of the passionate, hardworking and distinctive businesses who continually raise the bar of our world-class tourism offer.

“Not only do the awards showcase the sheer quality of our tourism offer to visitors and investors from across the country, but they also highlight the rewarding careers available in the industry and serve as a timely reminder of the value of our visitor economy.

“Reaching the shortlist is an achievement in itself and we look forward to celebrating with our finalists and partners at the awards ceremony in 2023.”

Mark Thurman, Managing Director of Casa Hotels Group, says: “We’re delighted to be hosting the 2023 Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards at Casa Hotel for the second year in a row. The tourism awards are a great way to celebrate success across the area’s unique hospitality and tourism sector, and we’re thrilled to have been nominated for three awards this year alongside many other top-class businesses.

“Global Brands is also pleased to be sponsoring the reception drinks for this prestigious occasion and we look forward to celebrating with finalists on Thursday 2nd March 2023!”


Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards: The 2023 Shortlist


Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award

  • Croft Bungalow Accessible Holiday Let, Birchover
  • LEVEL Centre, Rowsley
  • Matlock Farm Park, Matlock

B&B and Guest House of the Year

  • Grendon Bed & Breakfast, Buxton
  • Sheldon House, Monyash

Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year

  • Landal Darwin Forest, Matlock
  • Rivendale Lodge Retreat, Ashbourne
  • Upper Hurst Farm, Hartington

Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award

  • Landal Darwin Forest, Matlock
  • myGuidedWalks
  • Pure Outdoor

Experience of the Year

  • myGuidedWalks
  • Pendragon Project Team Adventures
  • Pure Outdoor

Hotel of the Year

  • The Maynard, Grindleford
  • Peak Edge Hotel, Chesterfield
  • Wildhive Callow Hall, near Ashbourne

New Tourism Business Award

  • Buxton Crescent Heritage Experience, Buxton
  • Great British Car Journey, Ambergate
  • The George, Hathersage

Pub of the Year

  • The Blind Bull, Little Hucklow
  • The George, Hathersage
  • The Scotsman’s Pack Country Inn, Hathersage

Resilience & Innovation Award

  • Casa Hotel, Chesterfield
  • Rivendale Lodge Retreat, Ashbourne

Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year

  • Tissington Ford Barn, Bradbourne
  • The Water Mill, Bradbourne
  • Wheeldon Trees Cottages, Earl Sterndale

Taste of the Peak District & Derbyshire Award

  • The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop, Bakewell
  • The Maynard, Grindleford
  • Red Lion Restaurant at Peak Edge Hotel, Chesterfield

Team of the Year

  • Creswell Crags Learning Team
  • Hattersley Wines
  • The Maynard Team

Tourism Young Achiever Award

  • Josh Butler, Longbow Bars and Restaurants
  • Courtney Charlton, The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop
  • Hollie Fentem, Rivendale Lodge Retreat

Unsung Hero

  • Soraya Ferrer, The Maynard
  • Martin Firth, Rivendale Lodge Retreat
  • Gavin Moy, Pure Outdoor

Visitor Attraction of the Year

  • Heights of Abraham, Matlock Bath
  • Matlock Farm Park, Matlock
  • Thornbridge Estate, Bakewell

For more details see: www.visitpeakdistrict.com/tourism-awards. Join the conversation on social media using #PDDTourismAwards.

Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire and Casa Hotel support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Partnership to drive Chatsworth’s next fifteen years

Chatsworth has started a collaborative dialogue on its future with the Peak District’s leading stakeholders including councils, statutory authorities, charities, trade bodies, neighbours and businesses in order to share knowledge, understanding and opinion as it develops a ‘Whole Estate Plan’ that will shape the next fifteen years and beyond.

By sharing its vision and direction of travel for the years ahead, Chatsworth is aiming to build better understanding and common goals with stakeholders to benefit the landscape and environment, jobs and enterprise, local communities and visitors to the region.

Earlier this week (Monday 7 November), more than 50 representatives from Peak District National Park Authority, Derbyshire Dales District Council, local Parish Councils, Historic England, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, National Trust and many others met with Stephen Vickers, CEO of Devonshire Group and Chatsworth’s senior team at Cavendish Hall in Edensor, where they were invited to become involved in the Whole Estate Plan.

The Whole Estate Plan is due for publication in Summer 2023, and Chatsworth will share progress at regular intervals, welcoming further input from stakeholders.

Whole Estate Plans are not a new concept; they represent good practice in holistic planning across environmental, social and economic themes. The use of Whole Estate Plans to enable and support partnership working between Estates and National Park Authorities was successfully introduced in the South Downs National Park in 2016.

Lord Burlington, Chairman of the Chatsworth Settlement Trust: “We understand and take very seriously the responsibility that custodianship and management of such a precious asset as Chatsworth brings.

“We take great care to balance the needs of conservation, access, enjoyment, education, community and economy. At the same time, we value other voices and encourage stakeholders and partners to share their knowledge, ideas and opinions within a conversation that we believe will make development of the plan more effective, by building and enhancing common goals for the benefit of our shared future.”

The Whole Estate Plan covers the core of the Chatsworth Estate, which includes Chatsworth House, garden, parkland, and Stand Wood – all under the management of the Chatsworth House Trust charity – as well as farms, woods, moorland and other interests between Baslow and Beeley, plus Peak Village in Rowsley.

Representatives of the organisations present welcomed the opportunity to engage with Chatsworth over the Whole Estate Plan and are supportive of the process.

Andrew McCloy, Chair of Peak District National Park Authority: “The Peak District National Park Authority is pleased to be involved in the early stages of the development of a Chatsworth Estate Plan along with other stakeholders, and we welcome the commitment to partnership working and strategic planning from the Estate.”

Steve Capes, Director of Regeneration and Policy, Derbyshire Dales District Council: “As Chatsworth begin the development of their Estate Plan for the future, the District Council is looking forward to being part of the process to input and inform its development over the coming months and years.”

Representatives from the following organisations attended the meeting: Peak District National Park Authority, Derbyshire Dales District Council, Forestry Commission, Historic England, Natural England, Accessible UK, Business Peak District, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, East Midlands Chamber, Marketing Peak District and Derbyshire, National Farmers Union, University of Derby, Beeley Parish, Duke’s Barn, Historic Landscape Management, Severn Trent Water, Tissington Hall.

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

 

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Derbyshire Tourism Conference highlights ‘positive future’ for the visitor economy

“Despite unprecedented challenges, the future of tourism in the Peak District and Derbyshire remains positive” – that’s the overriding message from the annual Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Conference which took place on Thursday 6th October at Peak Edge Hotel in Chesterfield.

Hosted by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, the event welcomed over 120 attendees from across the tourism and hospitality sectors for the first ‘in person’ conference since the pandemic.

It brought together leading industry figures and expert speakers to deliver insights, advice and inspiration covering major topics including the cost-of-living crisis, recruitment challenges, emerging tourism trends and new opportunities for growth.

The keynote speech was delivered by Patricia Yates, CEO of national tourist body VisitBritain/VisitEngland, who visited local businesses including The Heights of Abraham, Chatsworth and Treak Cliff Cavern ahead of the conference to shine a spotlight on the area’s outstanding tourism offer and discuss how the sector can work together to drive economic growth.

VisitBritain/VisitEngland CEO Patricia Yates said: “It’s been fantastic to be in beautiful Derbyshire and the Peak District, visiting tourism businesses and attractions and seeing first-hand the wonderful experiences on offer. It has been invaluable to listen and talk to local businesses about how we can work together to drive economic growth, and to have the opportunity to highlight our work to support the industry’s recovery.

“Tourism is an industry that can deliver growth like no other and it’s been great to see the activity Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire is delivering, working with businesses and key stakeholders to attract domestic and overseas visits, driving the visitor economy.”

Opening the conference, Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, emphasised the organisation’s ongoing commitment to supporting the sector’s recovery and its work to secure the long-term future of the industry by increasing overnight stays, extending the traditional tourism season and boosting visitor spend.

In line with its ambition to position the area as a world-class visitor destination, Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire announced it will be launching a new marketing campaign later this year – promoting the area’s ‘distinctive and diverse visitor offer’ – together with an innovative new website for www.visitpeakdistrict.com that will help visitors plan and book trips according to accessibility and sustainability requirements.

Updates from Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire also focused on recent successes, including:

  • The value of tourism to the area’s economy – £1.96 billion in 2021, achieving 79% of 2019 levels against a target of 70% (2021 STEAM data)
  • The creation of a Sustainable Tourism Plan, produced in partnership with the Peak District National Park Authority and The National Forest, which aims to position the destination as a beacon for sustainable tourism and active travel
  • The success of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s Accessibility Champions programme, which has so far helped over 30 tourism businesses achieve ‘Accessibility Champion’ status
  • The achievements of the European Regional Development Fund supported Growing and Developing the Visitor Economy within Derbyshire project, which has helped over 800 visitor economy business to boost their growth, skills and profitability since 2017
  • Ever-increasing visits to www.visitpeakdistrict.com (2.7 million sessions and 2.1 million users between September 2021 and September 2022) and a combined social media following of more than 200,000
  • Against the backdrop of the cost-of-living crisis, the event covered the challenges facing the area’s visitor economy as well as the support available for local businesses. Scott Knowles, Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), revealed that ‘inflation’ and ‘access to skilled labour’ are currently the biggest concerns for businesses in the region.

Looking to the future, Cllr Barry Lewis, Leader of Derbyshire County Council, discussed the East Midlands devolution deal which will see Derbyshire, Derby, Nottinghamshire and Nottingham come together to pioneer a new East Midlands Mayoral Combined County Authority. The deal will see £1.14 billion come to the region over 30 years – creating ‘more and better jobs through greater investment in the area, with increased economic growth, better transport, housing, skills training and an enhanced greener environment’.

Delegates also heard from Jenny Lowthrop about the vital work of the Peak District National Park Foundation in protecting and safeguarding Britain’s original National Park, which attracts thousands of visits to the area each year; whilst Miles Watkins of the Institute of Quarrying shared their exciting vision to create an internationally significant visitor experience and Centre of Excellence for the quarrying industry at the National Stone Centre in Wirksworth.

Emerging trends – and how tourism businesses can harness them – were a key focus of the conference and Paul Ince of LikeMind Media Ltd gave delegates a valuable insight into how best to use short videos on social media platforms such as TikTok to help their businesses stand out from the crowd.

The Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Conference was funded by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s European Regional Development Fund project.

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The Visitor Economy: a sector with a growing number of career opportunities

Chesterfield not only attracts local residents, but also visitors from further afield. Visitors spend in 2019 had generated an estimated £203 million into the visitor economy and supported over 2,347 jobs in the local area.

To help you understand what a career in visitor economy is like, we spoke to current and former apprentices who currently work within Chesterfield’s leisure, hospitality, and retail sectors.

What’s it like working in visitor economy?

A career in the visitor economy can be exciting due to the diverse range of job roles on offer. You could find yourself working in events, hospitality, accommodation, tourist services, visitor attraction and much more.

Meet Brandon Howard, a Level 4 Marketing Executive apprentice at Vicar Lane Shopping Centre. Working in marketing is usually about promoting and selling a product or service, but in visitor economy it’s all about selling and promoting a place for people to come and visit.

Vicar Lane Big Screen

Brandon said: “I enjoy working in the visitor attraction sector, as it’s really fulfilling organising events that benefits lots of local people and businesses, as well as visitors from further afield. I like being in such an open and varied environment with something different always going on.

My apprenticeship is a nice mixture between learning and working and I feel like I’m helping the company, as well as my own career progression, move forward. I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship to others looking to take a similar career path to me. Apprenticeships are a great steppingstone to bright futures.”

Apprenticeships offer a fantastic progression route

Venues in Chesterfield such as the Pomegranate and Winding Wheel theatres host a range of musicals, stand-up comedy, music concerts and other productions, meaning they attract regional audiences and play an important role in our visitor economy.

Winding-Wheel

Jack Floyd, Senior Technician for Chesterfield Venues, completed a level 3 apprenticeship in Leadership and Management and explains why an apprenticeship offers a fantastic progression route.

Jack said: “An apprenticeship in leadership and management has allowed me to take the specialist knowledge gained throughout my career and properly apply it in leadership situations. I hope to take the skills I have learned and use them to progress into technical or venue management.”

You can discover more about becoming an apprentice here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/apprenticeships/become-an-apprentice-in-chesterfield/

Develop transferable skills working in hospitality

Lucy Bacon, Assistant Marketing Manager of the Casa Hotel Group, demonstrates how working in hospitality helps you gain transferable skills which can be applied to other career opportunities.

Cocina Restaurant (002)

Lucy explained: “I started out at Casa Hotel working part time, alongside my school studies, in the Cocina Restaurant. This gave me a great base of transferable skills to grow on! I was able to work quickly and efficiently, think on my feet and was confident in speaking to all manner of guests. My journey in Cocina then quickly moved from part time to full time, and from Food and Beverage Attendant to Restaurant Supervisor. In my more senior position, I supported the restaurant team through busy service, communicated well with our Chefs, and dealt with any issues which may arise.

After some time developing my food and beverage knowledge further, I began to take interest in the Marketing of our products and services both for the Restaurant and the Hotel as a whole. The Management team here at Casa gave me the opportunity and support to gain my qualification in Marketing as well as move over fully into the Marketing of both Casa and Peak Edge. I am now the proud Assistant Marketing Manager of the Casa Hotel Group and am grateful of the opportunities I have been given whilst working in the Hospitality Industry.”

Fancy a career working in the visitor economy?

The visitor economy in Chesterfield is expected to see a significant boost from a number of planned developments across the borough and will create further job offers in the local area, creating even more career opportunities

You can use our search tool to browse the hundreds of apprenticeship vacancies currently available in and around Chesterfield: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/apprenticeships/become-an-apprentice-in-chesterfield/find-an-apprenticeship-in-chesterfield/

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Matlock Farm Park reveals new ‘Enchanted Hamlet’

One of our area’s best family attractions, Matlock Farm Park has unveiled it’s latest new addition; The Enchanted Hamlet.

The Enchanted Hamlet is an exciting, brand new indoor and outdoor adventure play area at Matlock Farm Park, adding even more fun to a day out at the park.

Built of beautiful, rustic oak and larch, featuring enchanting twisted stagwood around much of the equipment, the hamlet is designed to encourage imaginative, sensory, physical and problem solving play for tots through to tweens, also providing delight for parents as they get involved too.

There is a large sand-based zone with chutes, pulley systems and platforms to encourage team work between children; sand kitchens and a traditional pit for little ones to enjoy sandcastle making; a pea gravel zone with areas designed especially for transference of materials, including very popular mini diggers and hidey holes too for children to enjoy.

The Hamlet will also feature an adventure zone, featuring a high tower with internal climbing wall and cargo net, a stunning bridge to walk across and get views of the park, slides-a-plenty and a great timber tangle climbing frame for a real challenge.

Much of the area is covered by a dramatic, huge round house, providing shelter and shade allowing visitors to use the area in all weathers. There is also lots of seating to relax at whilst supervising children and a ‘Fodder Wagon’ catering unit, for people to buy drinks and snacks.

Lotty Hawkins, Assistant Manager at Matlock Farm Park, said: “We’ve wanted to create something special like this for years and to finally see it all come to fruition is just wonderful. It’s a big investment for us, but we want to give our visitors an amazing experience when they come here and we know that animal activity combined with playtime is what families really enjoy.

“Covid lockdowns were really hard, but we’ve bounced back and had fantastic support from our visitors. We’ve made lots of improvements over the last 18 months, including adding the UK’s largest Jumping Pillow last Spring, and now we are just thrilled to have created The Enchanted Hamlet – it’s nice to be able to give something back to our loyal supporters.

“With the farm park being such a wide open, rural setting, we really wanted to compliment this with a play area built of beautiful, rustic wood and as you enter the farm park, the tower and round house covering are visible, giving a hint to what follows ahead. We wanted to create a feeling of enchantment.

“Many of our visitors have been coming to the farm park for years and the feedback on The Enchanted Hamlet has just been brilliant. Will be doing more development in the coming years? You never know – watch this space.”

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.

 

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Exciting events programme revealed across Chesterfield for 2022

Chesterfield Borough Council is encouraging residents and visitors to ‘save the date’ as details of some of the key events happening in and around Chesterfield town centre this year are announced.

Designed to provide fun and unique experiences for our Chesterfield community, this year’s events programme will continue to support local businesses by encouraging people to spend more time in and around the town centre.

More details of each event will be published over the coming months, but key dates to note include:

  • 2-5 June – Queen’s Platinum Jubilee: A whole host of activities will be taking place across the borough to mark the Queen’s Jubilee – including during the celebratory bank holiday weekend which runs from Thursday 2 June to Sunday 5 June. The town centre will be decked with Jubilee-themed decorations, with events and activities running at the council’s venues – people can check www.chesterfield.gov.uk/jubilee for the latest information.

 

  • 26 July – Medieval-themed Fun Day: The popular Medieval-themed fun day makes a return for the first time since the start of the pandemic, with families invited to kick start the summer holidays with a day on Tuesday 26 July. It’s a chance to step back into the Middle Ages and see Chesterfield’s history and heritage brought to life.

 

  • 27 October – 1940s Market: Fans of all things vintage will welcome news that the flagship 1940s Market is also confirmed for 2022 – with crowds expected to don period dress and flock to the town on Thursday 27 October. The event is a highlight in the national calendar for fans of this era and is held on a Thursday to tie in with Chesterfield’s much-loved Flea Market.

 

  • 20 November – Christmas Lights Switch On: Looking toward the festive season, the traditional Christmas Lights Switch on event will be held on Sunday 20 November in the town centre – and if people want to get their festive celebrations organised already, early-bird tickets for this year’s pantomime, Sleeping Beauty, are now on sale at www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk (the show runs from Tuesday 6 December to Tuesday 3 January 2023).

Chesterfield Borough Council’s events programme is part of the Love Chesterfield campaign – launched in partnership with Destination Chesterfield to celebrate everything that’s great about the town, while supporting the trading ambitions of local retail, hospitality and leisure businesses.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “As we all enjoy the return to a more normal way of living, it’s fantastic to see this line up of popular events which always bring Chesterfield to life – and create an opportunity for people to come out and show their support for our amazing local businesses.

“We are funding a range of flagship events which always prove immensely popular and create a chance for residents and visitors alike to create lasting memories in and around our historic town centre.”

Motor Fest, which last took place in August 2019, will not be supported by Chesterfield Borough Council. The event had become very popular, meaning the scale has become too large for the town centre and as a result poses a risk to public safety. In particular the significant number of vehicles, attendees and other activities within the pedestrianised town centre, could make it difficult for emergency services to gain suitable access. The council is committed to supporting the organisers to search for a more suitable venue.

More information about the Love Chesterfield events programme will be published on the council’s website at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/love-chesterfield and also on social media channels using the #LoveChesterfield hashtag.

Chesterfield 1940s Market

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Stephenson Memorial Hall refurbishment receives further funding boost    

An ambitious project to refurbish Chesterfield’s historic Stephenson Memorial Hall – which is home to the Pomegranate Theatre and Chesterfield Museum – has been boosted by £695,000 from Arts Council England’s Capital Investment Programme.

The funding has been secured by Chesterfield Borough Council and will be used to install a ventilation system in the Pomegranate Theatre auditorium and create a new Changing Places toilet. This funding will complement the Government’s Levelling Up Funding and investment from the council which aims to create a modern cultural attraction in the heart of the town centre.

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 £17.5 million project 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.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “It’s fantastic news that we’ve received more support for our multi-million-pound refurbishment of the Stephenson Memorial Hall. This funding will help ensure we realise our ambitions of creating an accessible cultural experience, allowing more of our residents and visitors to access this building to enjoy performances and learn about our heritage.”

Peter Knott, Midlands Area Director of Arts Council England, said: “Our Capital Grants programme provides organisations with vital funding to ensure they have the right buildings and equipment to help them become more sustainable and innovative places, as they deliver exciting and creative work to the public.

“We’re pleased to be investing in seven projects in the East Midlands – from replacing well-worn seats in auditoriums and purchasing the latest digital technology to installing ecologically friendlier lighting and making buildings more cost-effective.  Funded work includes updating access facilities designed to ensure a more welcoming experience for visitors.”

As part of these 2021-22 and 2022-23 grants, over £22.7 million has been awarded to 66 cultural organisations across the country. The Capital Investment Programme aims to help cultural organisations across the country transform their buildings and equipment so they can operate safely post-pandemic, improve access, seize technological opportunities, and reduce environmental impact. From Barrow-in-Furness to The Isles of Scilly, the organisations receiving funding share a vision to build a fit for the future cultural sector, which all members of their communities can access.

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Barrow Hill Roundhouse to be lit up with large-scale projections as part of Derbyshire ‘Shine a light’ campaign

Chesterfield’s iconic Barrow Hill Roundhouse will be lit up with spectacular light projections later this year, as it has been selected as one of the venues in the annual Derbyshire ‘Shine a light’ campaign.

Large-scale projections will light up Derbyshire landmarks with a unique fusion of music, visuals and sound when ‘Shine A Light’ returns this autumn/winter.

Visitors will be able to watch Derbyshire’s history unfold in magical night-time shows projected on to four heritage venues across the county as part of the new Shine A Light programme, which will run from September 2022 to February 2023.

Alongside Barrow Hill Roundhouse, The large-scale projections will take place for the first time at Elvaston Castle and the National Trust’s Hardwick Hall, whilst Cromford Mills will return to host the unique outdoor events for a second year.

In addition, the towns of New Mills and Bolsover will be working with the Shine A Light team to build exciting new additions for their annual community lantern processions and parades.

Providing fun for the whole family, the events will bring together awe-inspiring illuminations and projections in a visually stunning display that is unique to each venue and centred around the themes of climate change and water.

Delivered by internationally-renowned Derbyshire-born video projection artists Illuminos, Shine A Light is inspired by Voices From The Peak – a celebration of the county in sound created by local poet and performer Mark Gwynne Jones to celebrate the Peak District National Park’s 70th birthday last year.

The events have been commissioned by Derbyshire County Council following a successful pilot in 2021 when Shine A Light displays held at Chatsworth and Cromford Mills were enjoyed by more than 3,200 visitors.

Designed to celebrate Derbyshire’s rich history and heritage, extend the tourism season and boost the visitor economy in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, the next instalments of Shine A Light aim to build on last year’s success with more awe-inspiring events.

Confirmed dates and venues are:

  • Cromford Mills, home of Sir Richard Arkwright’s first mill complex, in the UNESCO Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, on Thursday 27 October and Friday 28 October
  • Elvaston Castle, a Gothic Revival castle and surrounding parkland, run by Derbyshire County Council, on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 November
  • Barrow Hill Roundhouse, the last surviving railway roundhouse in the United Kingdom with an operational turntable, on Thursday 8 December and Friday 9 December
  • Hardwick Hall, an Elizabethan country house built by Bess of Hardwick in the 1500s, owned by the National Trust, on Friday 17 February and Saturday 18 February

Exciting new works will be displayed at New Mills Lantern Procession & Community Event on Saturday 24 September and Bolsover Lantern Parade on Saturday 26 November.

Tickets and more information will be available soon at www.visitpeakdistrict.com/shine-a-light.

Derbyshire County Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Leadership, Culture, Tourism and Climate Change Councillor Barry Lewis said: “We’re tremendously proud of what we achieved with Shine A Light last year but that was just the beginning.

“We’re coming back bigger and better this year with more venues added, each with their own story to tell as part of this ‘anthology’.

“With the visitor economy still feeling the after effects of the pandemic, it’s vital that we support its recovery in Derbyshire and we’re proud to be able to help support these unique experiences which will provide excellent entertainment for tourists and residents alike.”

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “Last year’s Shine A Light displays provided magical entertainment for visitors and residents alike, and we’re delighted that this year’s programme has expanded to include three great new heritage venues and two community-based celebrations.

“These events provide an excellent opportunity to see Derbyshire’s rich history brought to life whilst enjoying the area’s great visitor offer in the typically quieter months, supporting the recovery of local businesses in the process.”

Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire and Barrow Hill Ltd. supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Newborns highlight Rare Breeds success at Chatsworth

While visitors have been enjoying the sights and sounds of its latest newborns this spring, Chatsworth Farmyard has been particularly celebrating the latest additions to its breeding programme for rare and sometimes critically endangered animals.

Two Albion calves, Bronte and Queenie, have been born in the past ten days. Originally called the ‘Bakewell Blues’ because of their origins in Derbyshire, Albions are listed by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) as the most rare ‘priority’ breed.

Meanwhile, Eugenie, Chatsworth’s Suffolk Punch mare is expecting another foal in the next couple of weeks, having successfully delivered visitor favourite ‘Huxley’ last year. The RBST considers the Suffolk Punch to be critically endangered with fewer than 500 purebred horses registered in the UK. Eugenie is one of only 72 female Suffolk Punches, making them more endangered than the Giant Panda.

Bagot goat kids and Gloucester Old Spot piglets are due soon and are listed as ‘at risk’ breeds while the farmyard is also hoping for some rare breed chicks from its Derbyshire Redcap chickens.

The Farmyard has been welcoming plenty of newborns this spring, though not all are rare breeds.  A Donkey foal, lambs, goat kids and piglets are all expected additions in the next few weeks.

Chatsworth Farmyard is home to a number of the country’s rarest breeds of livestock and equines, including Suffolk Punch horses, Shire horses, Albion cattle, Bagot goats and Cream Legbar and Derbyshire Redcap chickens, as well as British Landrace pigs and Eriskay ponies.

“We are delighted to welcome our two beautiful Albion calves. They’re incredibly rare and I have always wanted to have some of these wonderful cows here. Given their local heritage it feels like the perfect fit at Chatsworth Farmyard,” said Farmyard Manager, Melissa Underwood.

The Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) awarded RBST accreditation to Chatsworth Farmyard last year, recognising its important contribution to the conservation of some the rarest livestock and equine breeds native to the UK.

RBST is the national charity that works to secure the future of rare breeds of native livestock and equines. Chatsworth Farmyard is now part of the 25-strong network of RBST accredited farm parks which take part in crucial conservation programmes, manage special breeding groups, and support education about rare breeds and why they matter.

Chatsworth Farmyard and Adventure Playground is open daily to visitors (www.chatsworth.org).

Chatsworth supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Matlock Farm Park’s George Finlay wins national Tourism Superstar award

Matlock Farm Park’s George Finlay is celebrating after being announced as VisitEngland’s 2022 Tourism Superstar.

22-year-old farm supervisor George saw off tough competition from nine other finalists across England to be crowned the winner, receiving 29% of the public vote and becoming the competition’s youngest winner to date.

The Tourism Superstar award was launched by national tourism agency VisitEngland and The Mirror 10 years ago to recognise the dedication and passion of those working in the tourism industry.

George was nominated for his enthusiasm, passion, knowledge and dedication – attributes that win him regular praise in visitor reviews. His responsibilities include looking after the health and welfare of animals, interacting with visitors and running informative animal-based activities such as wallaby encounters and meerkat talks.

George is particularly passionate about the mental health benefits of animals and when Matlock Farm Park was closed during Covid restrictions, he was the driving force behind the creation of weekly Facebook Live broadcasts to entertain visitors with uplifting content.

In addition, George actively seeks to encourage younger visitors to have a love for animals and with his beaming smile and friendly approach, he goes out of his way to ensure people of all ages and abilities have a memorable day.

The announcement comes after George won Silver in the Tourism Young Achiever category at the Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards earlier this month.

Reacting to news of his win, George said: “I am over the moon to have won the VisitEngland Tourism Superstar award. I feel so lucky to work in a job where I can share my passion for animals with visitors of all ages and winning this national award, which is voted for by members of the public, is a huge honour.

“The Peak District and Derbyshire is an incredible destination, with so much to offer visitors, and I’m delighted that I get to play a small role in helping people to have memorable experiences. Thank you to everyone who voted!”

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “At just 22 years old, George is a fantastic ambassador for our vibrant tourism sector and we’re delighted to see him win this prestigious national award.

“George embodies all that is great about working in the Peak District and Derbyshire’s tourism industry – he is friendly, helpful and engages with people of all ages with a view to making their trip special. A huge well done to George and thank you to everyone who voted.”

Andrew Stokes, Director of VisitEngland, said: “Tourism Superstar recognises the people who go the extra mile to create standout visitor experiences, and each finalist has gone above and beyond for tourists. George has clinched the title thanks to his tireless work in ensuring visitors to Matlock Farm Park gave the best time whilst making sure the animals have all they need.

“During Covid, he also extended the healing reach of the animals into people’s homes with his live streams, from lambing to feeding, supporting people to feel connected. Many thanks to all our finalists and to everyone who took the time to take part in the voting.”

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

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Hundreds of jobs to be showcased at local tourism recruitment fair

The wide variety of exciting, rewarding and long-term careers offered by the Peak District and Derbyshire’s hospitality and tourism industry are set to be showcased at a local recruitment fair in March.

The Hospitality & Tourism Jobs Fair will be held at The Whitworth in Darley Dale, near Matlock, on Monday 21 March 2022 from 10am to 2pm, promoting hundreds of current jobs available in the sector as well as shining a spotlight on future career paths into the industry.

Offering a fantastic opportunity for both job seekers and employers, the free jobs fair takes place during English Tourism Week (18-27 March 2022) and aims to address the ongoing hospitality recruitment crisis, whilst helping to change perceptions that hospitality jobs offer ‘long hours for little pay’.

Attendees will have the opportunity to get hands-on with live demonstrations showcasing different aspects of working in the sector – from setting a restaurant table and making a hotel bed, to creating mocktails and learning about foraging and food presentation.

In addition, a ‘Live Apply’ zone will feature full-time, part-time and seasonal job opportunities currently available in the Peak District and Derbyshire, with a fast-track application process removing the need for lengthy application forms and CVs.

One-to-one advice will be available for attendees wishing to further their confidence and skills to be ‘job-ready’, and there will also be a rolling programme of inspirational speakers from local hospitality and tourism businesses.

The event has been arranged by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire with support from the UK Community Renewal Fund and is part of a programme of support to drive the recovery of visitor economy businesses.

It follows the recent launch of the Peak District & Derbyshire Hospitality Charter, which aims to raise the profile of the hospitality industry, boost recruitment and promote the sector as a career of choice to parents, schools, colleges and universities.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “The Hospitality & Tourism Jobs Fair is a great opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to discover the diverse careers available in this rewarding sector, connecting employers to new emerging talent.

“We’re in an unprecedented time in terms of the challenges faced by local businesses and following the launch of the Peak District & Derbyshire Hospitality Charter, we’re working closely with local authorities and education providers to identify opportunities and target support where it’s most needed.

“This Jobs Fair is another step in that process, and we’re looking forward to shining a light on all the benefits that a career in hospitality can bring – from fulfilling, long-term employment to fantastic opportunities for training and development.”

The Hospitality & Tourism Jobs Fair is free to attend, and visitors can simply turn up on the day or register in advance at visitpeakdistrict.com/jobs-fair.

Businesses and education providers can find more information at visitpeakdistrict.com/industry/jobs-fair.

Businesses are encouraged to join the conversation and to promote hospitality jobs on social media using the hashtag #AGreatPlacetoWork.

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

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