Some of Derbyshire’s finest makers and producers had the opportunity to showcase and sell their products to thousands of visitors at Chatsworth Country Fair (1-3 September 2023).
Over 50 local artisans were invited to exhibit in the ‘Derbyshire Makers Marquee’, hosted by Visit Peak District & Derbyshire in partnership with Derbyshire County Council, at one of England’s most spectacular annual outdoor celebrations.
Now in its fourth year, the Derbyshire Makers Marquee aims to support the growth of small, independent artists and producers by helping them to reach new audiences.
Visitors to the marquee had the chance to sample and buy quality items ranging from arts, crafts, jewellery and homeware to photography and fine food and drink – all produced in Derbyshire.
Chesterfield exhibitors included Hogg Norton, an award-winning producer of alcoholic fruit liqueurs, The Original Paper Starlights, whose colourful handmade lanterns decorated the marquee, and Cup & Saucer, an independent tea blender.
Chatsworth celebrated its 40th Country Fair with three action-packed days of entertainment including thrilling grand ring displays, inspirational cookery demonstrations, interactive rural crafts and traditional country pursuits.
Chesterfield’s Casa Hotel was also involved at the event, with their renowned chefs providing cookery demonstrations to the crowd alongside the nation’s top culinary talents.
Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “It’s been fantastic to see so many artisans and craftspeople embracing the chance to come together to showcase the high quality products made here in Derbyshire.
“As well as being very popular with visitors, thanks to support from Derbyshire County Council, the Derbyshire Makers Marquee also gave independent producers the chance to exhibit at a nationally-renowned, large-scale event – fuelling their growth and helping them to reach new audiences.”
Mike Norton of Hogg Norton Fruit Liqueurs, based in Chesterfield, said: “Having a stall in the Derbyshire Makers Marquee at such a prestigious event such as Chatsworth Country Fair was such a privilege. Being able to showcase our products to thousands of visitors and potential new customers with our liqueurs that are produced in Derbyshire, with fruit from Derbyshire, literally a few miles from Chatsworth House, gives us brand exposure that we could not achieve on our own.
“Also, being with so many amazing producers from across Derbyshire and the Peak District gave us an opportunity to work with new partners and grow our product offering.”
Mike Norton displaying Hogg Norton products at Chatsworth Country Fair 2023 – Image by Visit Peak District & Derbyshire.
William and Laura Burlington said: “Derbyshire is blessed with a wealth of extraordinarily talented artisan makers, artists and craftspeople and we’re delighted to be able to celebrate their skill and creativity with a broad audience through the Derbyshire Makers Marquee at the Chatsworth Country Fair.”
Councillor Simon Spencer, Deputy Leader of Derbyshire County Council, said: “We’re proud to promote small local businesses and value the contribution Derbyshire producers make to the local economy.
“The Derbyshire Makers Marquee provides independent artists and producers with a fantastic platform to display their skills and reach new audiences and I’m pleased we were able to support it.”
Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, Hogg Norton 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.
