Love Chesterfield

Chesterfield’s VK launches ‘Candy Cane’ drink in time for Christmas

Chesterfield-based Global Brands, which produces several popular drinks has reintroduced a fan favourite for the festive season, due to hit shelves this November.

The iconic fruity flavoured alcoholic beverage VK, popular for its variety of flavours including the staples VK Blue, VK Watermelon, and VK Orange & Passionfruit, is gearing up for Christmas with the release of VK Candy Cane.

VK Candy Cane’s flavour is sweet strawberry with hints of peppermint – providing the iconic candy cane flavour of Christmas in a tasty red beverage.

The bottles are available in limited edition festive Mixed Packs, available from Tesco, ASDA, B&M, and Home Bargains from the start of November.

The festive VK Mixed Pack, which contains 10 x 275ml bottles of the 4% drink, have an RRP of £10. Flavours include VK Candy Cane and a selection of VK favourites – Blue, Strawberry & Lime, Orange & Passion Fruit, Tropical Fruits, Apple & Mango, Watermelon, Black Cherry, and Raspberry & Peach.

Shoppers who can’t get enough of the festive flavour can also purchase 70cl bottles from B&M, Home Bargains, and a selection of convenience stores.

In 2019 Candy Cane mixed packs sold out across the nation by 15th December following unprecedented demand – so VK fans need to be quick off the mark to get their hands on this limited edition flavour.

Charlie Leaver, Head of Brand at Global Brands Ltd: “At VK we love all that Christmas brings, from celebrations with friends and family through to fun flavours like gingerbread and candy cane. Following huge demand for candy cane in 2019, we couldn’t help but bring it back for fans to try this year.

“We hope you enjoy celebrating Christmas with this fan favourite!”

Those purchasing a festive Mixed Pack will also be in with a chance of winning an iconic and exclusive VK Christmas jumper. There are over 100 Golden Tickets placed randomly in the festive Mixed Packs – and all that winners have to do is take a picture of their ticket and send this to @VKdrink on Instagram to claim their jumper, while stock lasts.

There are also hundreds of Christmas prizes to be won in multiple giveaways across VK’s Instagram this Christmas, including VK Santa hats.

For more fantastic gift, food and drink ideas you can get your hands on from Chesterfield’s independent businesses, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/christmas/

Global Brands 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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Junction Arts receives funding for a further 3 years

Arts Council England is continuing to support Junction Arts through the National Portfolio programme, ensuring the organisation can continue its work in the community for the next three years.

The funding totals £757,293 for the period 2023 – 2026. This is an uplift in funding for the next three years which will support Junction Arts ambitious plans to develop new work with more communities in Bolsover, Chesterfield and NE Derbyshire.

The uplift in funding is a reflection of Arts Council England’s commitment to boost spending in arts, museums and libraries in villages, towns and cities where investment is currently too low.

Junction Arts Managing Director, Paul Steele, said: “We are very excited and incredibly grateful to receive this funding. The uplift will enable us to deliver with more communities in North Derbyshire ensuring that more people take part in creativity and experience high-quality culture in areas that are currently underserved by investment.

“In particular it will enable us to work with more young people and offer more opportunities to get involved in creativity. We believe passionately in the positive impact the arts can have on people and places and have witnessed first hand how the arts can improve well-being and inspire positive change.

“These areas deserve to benefit from these impacts in just the same way as our neighbours in the larger cities and this investment goes some way towards increasing these opportunities for local people.”

Peter Knott, Area Director for Arts Council England said: “Everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy great art and culture on their doorsteps and Junction Arts provides arts events, festivals and activities for rural communities across the East Midlands.

“We’re delighted to be increasing our investment over the next three years and it will be great to see them inspire more people – no matter what their background – to enjoy arts and culture.”

Arts Council England Chief Executive, Darren Henley, said: “Together, each of the 990 organisations that have been offered funding today will contribute to a portfolio that is rich, varied and truly national. This is our widest ever spread of investment across the country, ensuring that many more people will have access to a wider choice of exceptional art, culture and creative opportunities on their doorsteps.

“We are in tough times but we must remember creativity brings with it extraordinary dividends, boosting our country’s economic growth, creating jobs, bringing communities closer together, and making us happier as individuals. Everyone deserves to enjoy the benefits it brings, and with this investment, we believe we’ve taken a decisive step towards making that vision a reality.”

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.

Junction Arts at the Tapton Lock Festival

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Affordable occasion wear shop in Chesterfield opens in time for Christmas

A luxurious but reasonably priced ladies occasion wear shop will open its doors in Chesterfield this week.

Dressed 4u will be based at 6-8 Station Road in Whittington Moor and will be open to the public for the first time on Wednesday 9th November 2022 at 11am.

Stocking prom and ball gowns, mother of the bride outfits, hats, shoes, bags, jewellery and more, customers will be amazed by the variety and choice on display at the new shop.

Dressed 4u was opened in 2019 by Julie Bell and was previously located on a nearby industrial estate.  Julie loves an excuse to dress to impress and has an eye for a glamorous bargain.  She aims to give her customers the best experience to find exactly what they want at a price they can afford, which is ideal in the current financial climate.

Julie commented: “Due to the ongoing success of Dressed 4u, we felt it was the right time to move to the high street where we can be seen and easily reached.  We give a friendly personal service, offering free styling advice to find your perfect outfit – you don’t get that with online shopping!”

The new shop has ground floor access in a newly decorated bright and modern space, large fitting rooms, and free parking outside.  Off the peg dresses, unique outfits and accessories are of abundance and all at prices that ‘won’t be beaten.’

Opening times will be 11am-3pm Tuesday to Friday.  Appointments can be made outside of these times, where the store will endeavour to open exclusively for you at a time to suit, this includes weekends and evenings.

To find out more, contact Julie at info@dressed4u.com or phone 07455 252727.  You can also find the shop on Facebook.

The great thing about shopping in Chesterfield is the range of independent shops and suppliers. You can always pick up something special and different, whether you’re looking for a special gift for a loved one or something special for your home.

There’s a wide range of independent shops, restaurants and coffee shops to explore across the town. Find out more at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/shopping/

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Chesterfield to be lit up once again this Christmas

Chesterfield Borough Council is once again hosting its spectacular Christmas Lights Switch On in the historic marketplace, marking the start of the festive season in the town.

Taking place on Sunday 20th November, the Christmas Lights Switch On is a firm favourite in the festive calendar, and it will include stage show entertainment from 3pm, festive market stalls and the lights switch on itself at 4.45pm.

Some of the Sleeping Beauty pantomime cast will be coming along to the stage show too, tickets are now on sale to see Sleeping Beauty at Chesterfield’s Winding Wheel Theatre. You can find out more and book tickets online.

Shrek will be making personal appearances at intervals between 12pm and 3pm outside the Visitor Information Centre in Rykneld Square ahead of the lights being turned on.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “This will be a magical event in the heart of Chesterfield, and everyone is welcome to come along. The Christmas lights switch on is one of our most popular events of the year, so please ensure you allow plenty of time to park or arrive by public transport, wrap up warm and enjoy the event.”

Elsewhere across Chesterfield, there is lots going on throughout the festive season for everyone to enjoy.

Meet Santa in the Market Hall

Bookings for Santa’s Grotto in the Market Hall are now open.

Santa will be welcoming visitors into his grotto from 20 November and tickets must be booked in advance either online or by contacting the Visitor Information Centre.

The price is £6.50p per person, which includes a present.

Markets

A number of markets will be taking place where you can pick up a unique gift or two from one of Chesterfield’s great selection of independent retailers. The traditional and speciality markets will take place on:

  • Vegan Market – 6 November and 4 December
  • Record Fair – 13 November and 11 December
  • Artisan Market – 27 November and 18 December

Visit Revolution House

If you are looking for a traditional family Christmas activity, why not take a trip to Revolution House.  The house will be open and decorated for Christmas with traditional greenery, including a kissing bough, and a flower festival with arrangements throughout the house, created by volunteers.

The house will be open from Thursday 8 December to Saturday 24 December, 11am to 3pm. Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted.

The house will also host a carol concert on Thursday 8 December at 6.30pm with members of Holymoorside Band. Carol sheets will be provided, and we suggest everyone attending wears appropriate clothing and brings a torch (although there will be some lighting on site).

Elf Trail

The Elf Trail is back for another year to provide fun for the whole family this Christmas.

They will be hiding in the windows of our local shops and venues waiting for you to find them from 21 November 2022 to 4 January 2023. Spot them all and you could win a fabulous family prize.

You can keep up to date with everything happening in Chesterfield this Christmas by visiting our festive web page. The page includes fabulous local gift guides, tips on getting the best food and drink from independent Chesterfield businesses, fun competitions, fesitive activities and much more!

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Taco Bell set to open its doors in Chesterfield

The world-famous Mexican-inspired restaurant brand Taco Bell will soon be welcoming customers to its new restaurant in Chesterfield.

Taking up the unit on Alma Leisure Park which used to house Chiquito, the new outlet will be open from Monday 14th November 2022. The launch will mark the brand’s 113th UK restaurant opening.

Customers will be able to order in advance via the Taco Bell app, website or third-party delivery platform or use the digital kiosks in-store to takeaway.

Local Chesterfield residents are invited to say ‘hola’ to Taco Bell on the opening day, with the restaurant set to give away free tacos all day.

Renowned for its craveable, customisable and quick-service Mexican-inspired classics; Taco Bell has been serving tasty tacos, bursting burritos, yummy nachos and its famous quesadillas to hungry UK fans since November 2010. The Chesterfield restaurant will be the brand’s first store in the area.

“We’re delighted to be able to bring Taco Bell to Chesterfield,” said Lucy Dee, Head of Marketing at Taco Bell UK. “The community has been crying out for Taco Bell and we’re very pleased to be able to deliver; creating local jobs despite challenging circumstances. We look forward to feeding residents from Monday onwards.”

Taco Bell Chesterfield is situated at Unit 6B Alma Leisure Park, Derby Road Chesterfield Derbyshire S40 2EZ and is open from 11am until late, 7 days a week. It joins Cineworld, Nuffield Health, McDonalds, Nando’s and Frankie & Benny’s on the lineup of businesses based there.

Did you know Chesterfield is also home to many great independent restaurants? For some great tips on where to head for your meal out, check out our blog on 50 Food and Drink businesses in the town.

The local food and drink industry has also been celebrated at the Love Chesterfield Awards, organised by Destination Chesterfield.  Nominated by the public and tested by mystery shoppers, all winners and finalists were congratulated at a glittering black tie dinner held at the Winding Wheel Theatre last month. Check out the winners here.

#iseeataco brand campaign – PR crunchy taco images

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Vicar Lane announces festive fun this Christmas

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre is inviting customers to experience the magic of Christmas, with a visit to Santa’s Workshop and cosy Grotto this festive season.

Families can enjoy a free, interactive experience at Santa’s Workshop, where little ones can come and meet the elves before writing their letter to Santa. Enjoy the moment together as their wish list gets posted in the magical post box and travels right before their eyes, to the North Pole.

Families wishing to head further into the Grotto, can then take an enchanted trip through a winter wonderland. At the end of the winding pathway, they will be greeted by Santa in his cosy grotto, surrounded by all of the toys for the good girls and boys.

Tickets to visit Santa’s Grotto are £8.50 each and every child will receive a gift, an ‘official good list’ certificate and reindeer food.

Santa’s Workshop and Grotto will be open from Saturday 19th November with a very special appearance from Snowy the Polar bear, roaming in the centre on Saturday 3rd December.

Due it’s previous success, Vicar Lane also offer an Autism Friendly Santa Experience (on selected dates and times) which support children with autism and sensory conditions to enjoy all of the Christmas magic in a more calming and relaxed environment. These sessions must be booked in advance. For more information on how to book, visit the Vicar Lane Shopping Centre website.

In addition to the events within the centre, there is a whole host of fun in the run up to the big day. On Sunday 20th November the Christmas lights will be turned on at 4.45pm in New Square.

For something creative, Vicar Lane is hosting a number of Wreath Making Workshops in conjunction with Thanks a Bunch, Sam’s Flower Boutique and Pizza Pi. Gather with friends and family for a 2-hour workshop inclusive of material, food and drink within the ticket price.

Dates Confirmed below:

NOVEMBER

Wed 30th between 1-3pm – Pizza Pi & Sam’s flower boutique

DECEMBER

Sat 3rd 10-12pm – Thanks a Bunch & Vicar Lane

Sat 3rd 1pm – 3pm – Thanks a Bunch & Vicar Lane

Find out more information on the Vicar Lane Facebook Event Page.

On Saturday 17th December, The Aurora Choir will be around the St James Square area between 11am and 1pm singing Christmas carols to help make last minute shopping more delightful. The Aurora Choir will be raising money for Ashgate Hospice and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager at Vicar Lane says: ‘’We’re delighted to bring back our Grotto and Workshop Experience for the local community and their families this year. There’s always a lot of excitement surrounding the events and with Chesterfield’s Christmas Lights Switch On event taking place on the same weekend, it’s a great opportunity to get out with family and friends and begin the Christmas preparations, with plenty of time to enjoy the fun!’’

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.

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New game to arrive at Chesterfield Escape Rooms

A brand-new game is set to be launched at the popular Chesterfield Escape Rooms, with the attraction confirming it will be open to customers later this month.

The family-friendly ‘Sausage Surprise’ game will feature the Escape Rooms’ brightest set yet, taking participants to a picturesque seaside setting.

With a Punch and Judy theme to the game, players will go through a variety of huts in search of hidden sausages, after the naughty crocodile eats them all!

Nick Hogan, Manager at Chesterfield Escape Rooms said: “We have now had five different games played out of the rooms, and there is very much demand for more.

“The town’s response has been phenomenal towards the Escape Rooms so adding to the room portfolio makes sense. Watch this space too, as more games such as ‘The Eerie Motel’, ‘The Big Hangover’ and ‘An hour to Kill’ will be in construction shortly.”

Since opening in 2020, Chesterfield Escape Rooms has shot its way up the rankings on Tripadvisor, even reaching the number one spot for escape rooms across the UK.

Nick said: “To get to the top of the TripAdvisor charts was a very proud moment for me and the team who have worked very hard over the last 12 months. There are over 800 Escape Room businesses in the UK so to have THE number one based on user feedback of our service is a great achievement.”

“We’ve done a few things with the community, such as setting up time limited discount codes for districts in Chesterfield. We also ran a 6-week schools’ competition during the summer holidays, and we even closed for the day to the public earlier in the year and ran free games for Bluebell Wood Childrens Hospice.”

To find out more about some of the great places to visit around Chesterfield, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/places-to-visit/

Chesterfield Escape Rooms 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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Chesterfield’s Central Technology celebrates 20 years of business

A Chesterfield company, which provides IT, telecoms and cyber security support has celebrated 20 successful years of trading in the town.

To celebrate the milestone and outline its vision for the future, Central Technology has announced a major rebrand, new website and a major offer to its customers.

The rebrand has given CT the opportunity to reflect the changing times, the firm’s growth, approach, achievements, and innovations over the past two decades and importantly demonstrate why it is different to other IT providers.

The company’s new website also reflects this and gives visitors more of an insight as to why people love to work for the company, and how its IT solutions are making a big difference to customers.

To celebrate this major milestone, CT is offering 20% off professional services until the end of November. Click here for further details.

Ian Snow, Managing Director of Central Technology said: “Continuing to succeed after 20 years in the IT Support/MSP industry is no mean feat.  Our success and growth is down to our committed and brilliant team who continue to provide the support our customers need.  Being in IT can be pressurised at times, but the culture that we have grown here at CT has created a relaxed, supportive and friendly working environment which we are very proud of and continues to drive the success of the company.

“With over 70 people based in our HQ here in Chesterfield, we are set to continue to grow over the next few years as we continue to expand our services nationwide.  To mark this milestone, we have re-branded to reflect how far we have come, our approach, achievements and innovations over the past two decades and importantly to demonstrate why we are different to other IT providers.”

Speaking on doing business in the town, Ian commented: “Being based in Chesterfield for 20 years is true testament to how much we value the town and are proud of how its developments past, present and future, which have continued to strengthen the economy, encourage more businesses to relocate and importantly drive more talent to the area.

“Importantly, its central location and transport network has allowed us to expand our services nationwide to support even more customers across the country.”

Central Technology 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 strikes gold in national visitor attraction accolades

Derbyshire has struck gold in the national accolades designed to showcase visitor attractions that go the extra mile to provide a high-quality day out.

Three local tourism businesses have received recognition in the VisitEngland 2021-2022 Visitor Attraction Accolades which celebrate the quality and diversity of visitor experiences across the country – with Derbyshire taking home two of three Gold accolades for the East Midlands.

Chatsworth and The Heights of Abraham each received a prestigious Gold accolade, whilst Denby Pottery Village won the coveted accolade for Best Told Story.

The winning attractions have gained the accolades based on scores received following their annual VisitEngland Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme assessments. Marks were allocated for the outstanding experiences they provide to visitors across categories including Welcome, Best Told Story, Quality Food & Drink, Hidden Gem and Gold for overall winners.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire said: “It’s fantastic to see three of Derbyshire’s brilliant attractions flying the flag for our outstanding visitor offer in these prestigious VisitEngland accolades.

“Derbyshire has so many unmissable attractions that deliver unforgettable experiences for visitors and residents alike, and this is a timely reminder of the value, variety and sheer quality of the area’s tourism industry.”

Pamela Pearson, Visitor Experience Development Manager at Chatsworth added: “We are delighted to receive this award from VisitEngland, which recognises the hard work of our teams and our commitment to going the extra mile to deliver an excellent visitor experience. This year, we celebrated creativity with a free exhibition of monumental sculpture, ‘Radical Horizons: The Art of Burning Man at Chatsworth’, in the parkland. It’s wonderful to be one of the 97 award-winning attractions in England, congratulations to all the winners.”

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

Burning Man Chatsworth

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Chesterfield residents and visitors can visit Santa in his Grotto this winter

Bookings for Santa’s Grotto in Chesterfield’s historic Market Hall are now open.

Santa will be welcoming visitors into his grotto from 20 November and tickets must be booked in advance either online or by contacting the Visitor Information Centre.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “It’s great news the grotto is back in town for residents and visitors to enjoy. We are hosting the grotto on the balcony of the Market Hall, for the first time in three years and I know it has been missed by many local people.

“You will need to book in advance, so you don’t miss out on visiting Santa in the Market Hall.”

Visitors are asked to arrive no earlier than 5 minutes prior to their time slot, so we can try to keep queues to a minimum. Families will be able to meet Santa on a first come first served basis within their slot time.

There will also be three relaxed sessions that will be bookable on 3 December, 11 December and 18 December 2022.

The relaxed sessions are specifically adapted for children with learning disabilities or sensory and communication disorders. There will be no flashing lights and the sessions are extended to reduce anxiety and allow everyone to enjoy a visit to Santa.

The cost will be £6.50 per child, which includes a present.

This is the first time you have been able meet Santa in person for 3 years, and it promises to be a special event for everyone to enjoy.

Bookings can be made in person at the Visitor Information Centre (Rykneld Square, Chesterfield S40 1SB), over the phone (01246 345777) or by visiting the booking website.

More information about the dates and times Santa’s Grotto is open can be found here and more details about what is happening around Chesterfield over the festive season can be viewed at: www.chesterfield.co.uk/christmas

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Innovative community events launched to support local projects

Chesterfield community interest organisation, Kakou is set to launch a brand-new initiative, aimed at helping local projects gain funding.

Chesterfield SOUP is a project that invites artists, social enterprises, charitable organisations and everyone in-between to attend an evening meal with likeminded people where they will be given the time and platform to pitch their ideas and projects that will benefit and improve their local communities- and the voted ‘best pitch’ among the attendees will get the opportunity to be granted funding for their pitch.

This concept has been inspired by countless other SOUP projects worldwide, from Detroit and Perth to Oslo and Dundee- the SOUP event format has spread like wildfire across the world as hundreds of participants around the globe have seized the opportunity to share their ideas to better the hometowns and cities they love the most, all in a wholesome and familiar environment with people who share their passion for change and their love of a homecooked meal.

There is very little as inspiring, powerful and important as the support of a community. This, the team at Kakou quickly came to understand and respect in their work as a Social Enterprise and certified B-Corporation, and the organisation has consistently aimed to bring projects to smaller and younger communities to provide more diverse means by which those voices can enact and be a part of the social change they want to see.

Ann Fomukong-Boden, Kakou Co-Founder commented: “It’s a fantastic way for local people to support local community projects directly.”

It is this incredibly potent sense of community that has led Kakou to the launching of the SOUP project, which the organisation believes will channel every ounce of love, ambition and care that we see in spades all around Chesterfield for years to come.

Kakou couldn’t be prouder of how dense a population of social enterprises and community charities that hang their hats in Chesterfield, and of how many people truly care about reaching out, offering a hand and being a part of the movement to make Chesterfield an even more diverse, green, safe and accessible town of opportunity for all in our little corner of Derbyshire.

The first Chesterfield SOUP event will be held on November 11th, from 7pm to 9:30pm at the Monkey Park Community Café on Chester Street, Chesterfield, S40 1DN. Find out more info about Chesterfield SOUP, and to register your place as an attendee, on our website at soup.socialfuse.org.uk.

Kakou 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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