Summer in Chesterfield

Families enjoy immersive experiences at Chesterfield Children’s Festival

Thousands of families attended the second Chesterfield Children’s Festival at the weekend, with children of all ages participating in the weekend’s workshops and activities.

The free two-day event at Queen’s Park was organised by local arts charity, Junction Arts and was funded by Arts Council England.

The line-up included an immersive movie experience, virtual reality swings, Bollywood dancing, an interactive catwalk, family life drawing, circus skills and carnival queens!

Junction Arts Project Coordinator, Jemma Burton said: “Thank you to everyone who came to the Chesterfield Children’s Festival at the weekend!  We had some fantastic activities and performers, but the visitors bring the energy and positivity that makes it so special.  It was great to see local families embracing arts and culture activities: mums and dads dancing along to the Jackson 5, kids improvising with the award-winning Blockbuster Factory and grandparents dressing up as carnival queens!”

“The event aimed to create a welcoming space, where young people and their families could explore art, culture and creativity in an accessible way. We hope that everyone enjoyed it as much as we did and made lots of memories. We’ll see you all again next year!”

A parent in attendance commented: “It has been another fantastic children’s festival, the kids have enjoyed making their sock puppets, we’ve danced, made an imaginary movie, flown like a bird on the virtual reality swings and seen live theatre – right here in Queen’s Park.  It’s such a great event for Chesterfield and local families.”

Junction Arts is an award-winning participatory arts charity, that organises a number of festivals and events, including the Tapton Lock Festival and Bolsover Lantern Parade.

For more information about Junction Arts and upcoming events, visit www.junctionarts.org.

Looking for more exciting events and activities across Chesterfield this Summer? Head over to our Summer in Chesterfield page! 

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.

Chesterfield Childrens Festival

 

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Chair’s Blog: “I encourage you to experience the vibrancy of Chesterfield”

As I walk through Chesterfield town centre, I feel a sense of pride. High streets today throughout the country face well-documented challenges, yet Chesterfield has navigated these with remarkable resilience.

Our independent stores create experiences that make customers feel like friends and keep them coming back. For instance, Street Spirit hosts tasting events for whisky, gin, and rum connoisseurs, while Geeks Headquarters draws competitors from across the UK and Europe for its tournaments. These unique businesses are examples of what sets Chesterfield apart from other towns.

Friends playing games at Geeks Headquarters in Chesterfield town centre

Geeks Headquarters, Chesterfield town centre

Our strong community spirit is attracting vibrant new businesses to our high streets. Over 25 businesses have invested in Chesterfield town centre in the past year. Hotpod Yoga and Bottle & Thyme have rejuvenated the Elder Way development, offering more reasons to visit the town. Additionally, more homes are being developed in the heart of Chesterfield, revitalising historic high streets. Projects like the renovation of Burlington House and the old Post Office building provide excellent urban living spaces that are just a short walk from nature.

Chesterfield apartments burlington street external

Burlington House apartments, Chesterfield Town Centre

Chesterfield’s cherished green spaces, including Queen’s Park in the town centre, further enhance the quality of life for residents. These areas, hosting events such as the Chesterfield Children’s Festival and the BRM Chesterfield Festival of Cricket, are integral to the community’s heartbeat. Our food and drink scene boasts a variety of independent pubs, bars, and restaurants, extending into areas like Brampton and Whittington Moor. Whether you prefer local produce or exotic cuisines, Chesterfield offers plenty of dining choices.

Chef at Sicily holding a dish

Sicily Restaurant, Chesterfield

Significant revitalisation works are set to begin in Chesterfield town centre. This includes modernising our historic market with brighter stalls and better infrastructure and making the town more accessible with new paving and lighting. A dedicated events space in New Square will bring more events and people to Chesterfield.

We’ve seen from the success of this year’s events that there is a demand for unique experiences in the heart of our town. The 1940s market allowed families to get face to face with a real-life spitfire, immersing themselves in a slice of history. The Peddler Market sees foodies indulging in unique street food, enjoying quality time with friends and family. It goes to show that if you provide entertainment and experiences, people will come. This footfall in turn attracts more businesses to our evolving town centre.

View 01 - New Square (Ground) copy

Artists impression of planned improvements to New Square in Chesterfield town centre

This summer, I encourage you to experience the vibrancy of Chesterfield. Whether exploring the market, enjoying green spaces, or supporting local businesses and events, there is much joy and pride to be found here. Let’s continue to celebrate our community, making this summer one to remember in Chesterfield.

For more ideas on enjoying our vibrant town and making memories with loved ones, visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer.

Male Chair of Destination Chesterfield Pete on stage at the Winding Wheel Theatre

Peter Swallow, Destination Chesterfield Chair

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Record number of walkers take on Ashgate Hospice Sparkle Night Walk

A record-breaking number of walkers lit up the streets of Chesterfield for Ashgate Hospice’s annual Sparkle Night Walk event.

More than 3,400 supporters stepped out for the return of the charity’s biggest fundraiser, sponsored by NOCN Group, on Saturday 22nd June.

Walkers have already helped raise £220,000 to help fund end of life care in North Derbyshire, and the charity said it hopes to see the figure rise even more by the sponsorship deadline at the end of July.

Find out more about some of the Chesterfield Champion organisations which took part in the event.

The 10km walk began and finished at Chesterfield Football Club’s SMH Group stadium, with people setting off at 10pm and live entertainment kicking off the party at 7pm.

The 10km route took walkers from the stadium down the A61 bypass, which was closed to traffic, past the Crooked Spire and through the streets of Chesterfield before returning to the football ground.

Jack Wood, Director of Income Generation at Ashgate Hospice said: “Once again everyone at the hospice has been absolutely blown away by the amount of people who turned out for our Sparkle Night Walk.

“The event was our most popular ever and we’re so grateful to all the walkers who came out to support the hospice.

“Our incredible staff and volunteers have been working so hard for months to put on an amazing event for the people of North Derbyshire, I’m so glad it was such a success.

“The amount of money we’re expected to receive in donations will go such a long way towards being there for the patients and families who need us most.”

“We hope to see everyone back again next year donning their sparkles, pink tutus and bunny ears – you can grab your super early bird ticket now for just £8!”

Super early bird registration for next year’s event has opened and more than 400 people have already signed up. Entry will be available at a reduced rate until 11th August, with the walk set to take place on 28th June 2025.

To find out more about next year’s Sparkle Night Walk, go to: www.ashgatehospice.org.uk/sparkle-night-walk

If you’re looking for more events and activities taking place across Chesterfield this summer, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer/

Sparkle walk ashgate

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Soak up the sunshine at these Chesterfield summer events

Summer is right around the corner, and now is the time to get outdoors and soak up the great British sunshine.

In 2024, Chesterfield has plenty of experiences to share so you can make some lasting memories with your loved ones.

So what are you waiting for? Get these dates saved in your calendar ready for a summer of excitement in our picturesque town!

BRM Chesterfield Festival of Cricket

Drone shot from above of the cricket pitch at Queens Park

 

Get ready for the big Derbyshire vs. Yorkshire game at the stunning Queen’s Park on July 7th.

Derbyshire County Cricket Club will also be hosting an 80s Bash on June 28th during the BRM Festival of Cricket, a brilliant opportunity to get your dancing shoes on.

Chesterfield Pride

Don’t miss out on Chesterfield Pride – it’s one of the biggest events of its kind around here and has yet another packed line-up of pop, dance and of course some of the UK’s best drag acts. Chart-toppers Liberty X and the Cheeky Girls will take the stage at Stand Road Park on July 21st.

Chesterfield Children’s Festival

Chesterfield Childrens Festival 2023 web (20 of 100)

The Chesterfield Children’s Festival will be back after providing fun and entertainment for more than 8,000 people last year. Highlights of the July 27th-28th event include an award-winning immersive street show, where members of the public get to be part of a live movie set.

Chesterfield Market

Peddler Market Chesterfield - family enjoying some food and smiling for the camera

Chesterfield Market will have plenty of special days, catering to foodies, craft lovers and music fans to name just a few. The Craft and Makers Market is returning on June 8th, July 20th, and August 10th, while you can enjoy a feast of street food at Peddler Market once again on July 19th.

Enjoy Chesterfield’s stunning scenery and landmarks

John Varley ll Chesterfield Canal Cruise

You’ll also have a chance to explore our most famous landmark, with a Crooked Spire Tower Tour on selected dates.

If you’re looking to unwind, why not take a trip through our glorious countryside? Bookings are now being taken for the summer on Chesterfield Canal Trust’s iconic trip boats, as are paddlesports sessions for those who are feeling a bit more adventurous.

For those who love getting active, the Chesterfield Cycling Festival is a wonderful way to blow off the cobwebs. The event lasts for a whole week from June 7th-16th and includes rides for all abilities. There is even a pub trail route in Holymoorside – After all, you’ll need to quench your thirst after all that pedaling!

Sample fabulous food and drink

Friends enjoying a cocktails in the sun at Dirty Habit in Chesterfield

 

And let’s not forget our local food and drink scene. Wander down the ‘Brampton Mile,’ Whittington Moor or into town on a weekend, and you’ll see our pubs, bars, and restaurants full of activity. With the European Championships and the Olympics coming up, make sure you book a seat at your favourite venue to soak up the atmosphere.

Many of our pubs and bars have spacious and comfortable beer gardens and outdoor spaces too, meaning you can make the most of the sunshine.

We hope to see you at one of our town’s fabulous events this summer! Don’t forget to head over to www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer so you can truly experience the best of our wonderful area.

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Make the most of the summer holidays in Chesterfield

Are you looking to make memories with family and friends during the summer holidays? Whether you’re simply looking for somewhere to help the youngsters burn off energy, or you fancy a big day out with lots of entertainment, we can guarantee there’s something to suit everyone this summer in Chesterfield!

Here’s our selection of some of the things you could be getting up to once the schools break up, but don’t forget to check out all the great events taking place across the town throughout the year here.

Family Fun Activities

From having a go at paddlesports to experiencing an open air cinema – there’s plenty of fun to be had.

Enjoy views of Chesterfield

Crooked Spire

All families should visit the iconic Crooked Spire at least once. Why not count your way up all 152 steps to reveal wonderful views over Chesterfield?

As part of the Crooked Spire Tower Tours you can learn about the history of the medieval church, see the bells, visit the inside of the famous Crooked Spire, and enjoy stunning views over Chesterfield from the viewing platform.*

*Please note: we are glad to report that a pair of Peregrine Falcons is raising a small brood on the church tower.  This means that it is currently illegal for to take visitors outside until the chicks are fully fledged (usually early July).  Until then the full tours (including the spectacular view of the inside of the Spire) will take place without the external view.  During this time tickets will be at the reduced price of £8 adult, £4 child.

Have a go at Paddlesports

wo Wheels Breakfast Meet Up

The summer holidays is the perfect opportunity to try something new. With the choice of paddleboards, kayaks and canoes you could have a go at paddlesports along the Chesterfield Canal.

Experience open air cinema

hardwick

Fancy watching a film outdoors under the stars? Well, there’s a few opportunities you can experience open air cinema this summer.

Watch the classic Jurassic Park, al fresco under the stars! Get together with family and friends under the start for a night at the movies.

Grab a blanket and a camping chair as more family favourites are being shown at Hardwick Hall. Films include a Grease sing-a-long, Mamma Mia Extrabbaganza, The Gruffalo/Stick Man and a Frozen sing-a-long.

Watch a legendary joust at Bolsover Castle

Why not do something fun and learn about history at the same time? Experience the exhilarating spectacle of speed and skill as four legendary knights compete for honour and glory in the Legendary Joust at Bolsover Castle.

Spend time down at the farm

Matlock Farm Park Dinosaur Day

Of course, you will get the chance to meet lots of cute animals at Matlock Farm Park, but you can also get involved with lots of fun themed events. Learn all about dinosaurs at the Dinosaur Fun Day, see The Big Bubbleman, be a Superhero for the day and much more.

Give roller skating a try

Roller disco

Looking for something different to do with the kids? Introduce them to roller skating with this weekly roller disco at Queen’s Park Sports Centre.

The roller disco’s are high energy combination of roller skating, thumping beats and awesome lighting shows.

Roller Energy are at Queen’s Park Sports Centre every Saturday 6.15pm – 7.30pm. Before visiting, it is advisable to check social media for updates regarding the sessions. Roller Energy UK are on Facebook here.

Family-Friendly Events & Festivals

Look forward to the return of annual favourites and opportunity to try new events and festivals.

Enjoy family fun at the Chesterfield Children’s Festival

Chesterfield Childrens Festival 2023 web (20 of 100)

After last year’s huge success, Chesterfield Children’s Festival is returning. So, if you want to celebrate childhood, imagination and fun, head to this free weekend festival of fun!

Dig into history at the Festival of Archaeology

Medieval stonemasonry demo at the Festival of Archaeology 2023 at Powis Castle and Garden, Wales. The festival is the biggest archaeological celebration in the UK and is organised by the Council for British Archaeology (CBA). ©National-Trust-Images-Paul-Harris

Celebrate archaeology & community at the Festival of Archaeology, through hands-on and inspiring activities. Moreover, there will be talks and activities exploring the history of the area.

See the country’s leading strongmen and mighty women compete

peak District Highland Games 2022 log press

Looking to end the summer holidays doing something memorable? See the country’s leading strongmen and mighty strongwomen compete at the Peak District Highland Games.

Memorable day out at Chatsworth Country Fair

Motorbike Stunt Action at Chatsworth Country Fair_(1)

The Chatsworth Country Fair is a truly memorable day out for all the family, with all the fun of the vintage fairground for the young and young at heart.

With a packed programme of grand ring entertainment, a cookery theatre and fine food village, there’s lots to see and do. In the showground, you can try your hand at heritage country sports, rural country crafts, and admire the vintage and military vehicles on display.

Shows and Entertainment

You can make sure the family has a memorable summer by enjoying one of the many great shows being shown at the Winding Wheel Theatre.

Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out

Peppa Pig Winding Wheel

Peppa Pig is back in her oinktastic brand new live show, Fun Day Out! Packed full of songs, dance and muddy puddles, Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out guarantees giggles and snorts for all Peppa Pig fans, and a perfect introduction to theatre.

Kids clubs

Looking for some time to yourself or have work commitments during the summer holidays? Here is a selection of kids clubs which will keep your little one’s entertained.

Burn off energy at Spireites Soccer School

Soccer School main image

Chesterfield FC’s mixed Soccer School runs every school holiday, Monday to Thursday 9am-3:30pm – the perfect opportunity to let the kids run off some energy.

Learn new skills at a tennis camp

Tennis Holiday Camps

Have fun, make friends and test your skills at this Summer tennis camp! Keep your kids active and engaged with activities galore. A perfect blend of sports and fun for an unforgettable holiday.

Available for children from 2-14 years of age, the camp is packed with fun-filled activities, ensuring your child a memorable time while learning and playing their favourite sports.

Children’s Holiday Climbing Club

Over the summer the Healthy Living Centre will be running children’s climbing clubs for ages seven to 17 years old. These session teach the basic skills of climbing such as safety issues, top-roping, bouldering, climbing techniques and is a great introduction to climbing.

From events to festivals, entertainment to shows and family activities – there’s plenty of ways to make memories during the summer holidays. Make sure to see what else is on this summer…

Complete your family day out by visiting one of our friendly food and drink venues. Here’s 50 different places to consider dining out at…

Looking for even more inspiration? Check out guide for things to do with the family…

Graphic to promote experiences to share this summer in Chesterfield

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Save the dates – Peddler Market returns to Chesterfield this May and July

Chesterfield town centre will be buzzing in May and July as Peddler Market returns for two more weekend events this summer.

The popular street food market will be in New Square on 17 to18 May and 19 to 20 July. These are the final events for 2024 as the multi-million pound regeneration of the town centre is expected to start over the summer.

Ben Smith, Director at Peddler Market, said: “We are looking forward to signing off the summer with a bang! Peddler offers a fantastic opportunity to meet up with friends and family in the heart of the town centre; enjoy a drink, sample some of the UK’s most exciting street food talent and soak up the atmosphere from the live stage.

“With New Square being rejuvenated later this summer, we are happy to have provided a blueprint for how street food can play a pivotal role in transforming Chesterfield’s night-time economy in years to come.”

There will be a fantastic range of award-winning street food from around the world at the event in May.

Syiok-Lah will be serving up authentic Malyasian cuisine, Get Wurst will be offering German style Currywurst and Bratwurst, Cow Boys will be bringing brilliant burgers, The Spicy Biker will have a range of Indian street food, Brúm Mì will be dishing out East Asian street food, Luigi will be offering a taste of Italy with Arancini and Panzerotti, De Boeuf will be slicing up their mature beef, Madame Crêpe will have a range of fresh crepes and Vanilla Bean will be serving coffee and baked treats.

The weekend also features a strong line-up of live music with something for everyone to enjoy including, indie-rock band The N.S.O, folkie singer-songwriter Jack Weston, pop punk outfit 2x Fast,  Viva La Vintage  who performs a mixture of classic soul, swing and rock n roll, singer songwriter Masha Jana, and unique band Honey Trap, with some more acts still to be confirmed.

On Saturday Sunflower Dance will be providing family friendly entertainment with a dance workshop designed for children.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Peddler Market has been a unique event in our town, and I know lots of people have come out to support the three events so far. I hope to see lots of returning faces and new visitors come along in May and July to show their support for this fantastic event before we start work on the regeneration of the town centre.

“These events are a fantastic way to kickstart your summer in Chesterfield with your friends and families.”

The Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project will see extensive works to key town centre areas to support a range of uses including markets, events, festivals and more. The work is due to start in summer 2024 in the Market Place.

Funding to help bring the event to Chesterfield has been provided through the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

Chesterfield Borough Council received £2.69m of UKSPF funding which will be invested across the borough. A portion of this will be invested into promoting the borough as a place to visit, and providing support for arts, culture, and heritage activities.

Planning on visiting Chesterfield on a Peddler Market weekend? Find out more about what’s on offer in the town here. 

Peddler Market Chesterfield - family enjoying some food and smiling for the camera

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Full lineup confirmed for Chesterfield Pride 2024

The full lineup of acts has been confirmed for the 2024 Chesterfield Pride Festival at Stand Road Park, with Liberty X confirmed as the headliner.

Taking place on Sunday, July 21st, this year’s event will see two stages packed with chart topping stars, including singer/ rapper Amelle, formerly part of the iconic Sugababes.

Also appearing is Clubland’s most successful artist Kelly Llorenna who has over 15 top 40 singles to her name, and is best known for the massive anthem “Set You Free”.

The Main Stage will also see performances from ’80s heart throb Nathan Moore from Brother Beyond, ’00s pop legends The Cheeky Girls and will be headlined by the incredible Liberty X who have been kindly sponsored by East Midlands Designer Outlet.

The Kranlee Cabaret Stage will be headlined by the outrageous Kitty Scott Claus from RuPaul’s Drag Race. Also from Drag Race, the super talented Scarlett Harlett will appear at the event.

The Cabaret Stage will also see arguably the world’s best Lady Gaga tribute Donna Marie, who has performed across the globe as Gaga. International Drag Queens KY Kelly and Miss Penny have also been confirmed to perform. There will also be some fantastic local unsigned artists including Mill, Darlin Trio and Lexi Whiteside taking to the stage.

Organiser Dan Walker says: “The team and I are really proud of how the event has grown in recent years and this line up is one of our most exciting to date. To have this caliber of artists perform at the event is testament to the amazing support the event has received in the last few years.

“We are passionate about the event being community driven and we believe the event is fantastic value. We love welcoming new attendees every year.”

Tickets are £7 (+booking fee) if bought in advance. Under 16’s are free entry but must be accompanied with an adult. There are a limited amount of WILDES VIP passes remaining. Tickets available through Skiddle or by visiting chesterfieldpride.co.uk

Find out more about some of the great events and activities coming up in Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/events/

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Chesterfield Children’s Festival set to welcome families for more fun in Queen’s Park this July

Organisers have confirmed that the Chesterfield Children’s Festival will return to Queen’s Park on the 27th and 28th of July.

This year’s event is being organised with the help of local young people and will include live movie sets, catwalks, an aerial workshop for babies and family life drawing!

The free event organised by Junction Arts and funded by Arts Council England, is a two-day festival for families that celebrates the joy of childhood, imagination and play.

Last year over 8,000 families attended the event, with over 4,000 children participating in the activities, which ranged from yoga classes to tie-dye workshops! Other highlights of the weekend included live music, comedy for kids, silent disco walking tours, theatre, Chinese storytelling and actual reality arcade games. The event attracted thousands of tourists from outside of the town, bringing over 3,500 people into Chesterfield.

New for 2024 is the Project Producers; a group of volunteers aged between 15-20 years of age that are advising and helping to plan the festival alongside Junction Arts. The group was formed earlier this year, and the idea is to give young people in Chesterfield an opportunity to have their say and develop some event planning skills.

This year’s event will take place on the first weekend of the summer holidays, 10 am – 4 pm each day. The festival is completely free, no booking is required, and visitors can turn up on the day to enjoy the activities.

The full festival line-up will be announced in June but acts confirmed so far include; Block Buster Factory, an award-winning immersive street show, where members of the public get to be part of a live movie set! There will also be an interactive family catwalk, family life drawing workshops and Take Flight – an aerial workshop for babies and their grown-ups!

To make the festival more accessible, Junction Arts has enlisted the help of RevoLOOtion, which provides mobile vehicles that enable disabled children and adults to use the toilet or be changed with dignity and respect, the RevoLOOtion service helps to break down barriers that often exclude them from participating in activities and events.

Jemma Burton, Project Coordinator from Junction Arts said: “We had an amazing response to the festival last year and I’m delighted that we are bringing it back to Chesterfield this summer. We’re also excited to have our Project Producers working with us this year, the group of young people are helping us to shape the festival by sharing their thoughts and experiences, as well as volunteering to plan and manage parts of the event. It’s great to have some youthful energy and creativity in the team!

“The full line-up is still being worked on, but I can say that we’ll have lots of creative activities for children of all ages to get involved in, plus some amazing live entertainment – we can’t wait to see you there.”

For further information visit: www.junctionarts.org or follow @junctionartuk on social media.

Find out more about fabulous family events coming soon to Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/events/

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.

Chesterfield Childrens Festival 2023 web (44 of 100)

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’80s Bash comes to Queen’s Park this summer

Derbyshire County Cricket Club is set to bring a party to Queen’s Park this Summer, adding to the town’s exciting range of events in 2024.

Stars of London’s West End will be bringing some of the biggest hits from one of music’s most prolific decades to Queen’s Park, Chesterfield, on Friday 28 June, as the ’80s Bash rolls into town.

From the epic anthems of Bon Jovi and Queen, to the iconic sounds of Blondie, ABBA, Duran Duran, Eurythmics and more, The 80’s Bash promises a sensational, hit-filled concert of classics celebrating the golden decade of music.

Led by an incredible West End band and singers, whether you’re a child of the ’80s or simply a lover of timeless tunes, this sensational party of pop and rock will have you singing and dancing all night long!

The event, which will take place the week before the BRM Chesterfield Festival of Cricket, is the latest music event to be hosted at Queen’s Park by Derbyshire County Cricket Club, following on from An Evening of Queen and An Evening of ABBA in recent years.

A very limited number of Super Early Bird tickets for this summer’s 80’s Bash are now open, with adults starting at just £17 and juniors from £5. Tickets for the event can be purchased here.

From partying in the park to unique markets, fun days and food and drink festivals, our lineup of events throughout the year truly provide fun for all ages and tastes. To stay in touch with what’s on in Chesterfield, click here for our events page.

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

abba tribute queens park derbyshire cricket club

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Organisers celebrate record-breaking year for Tapton Lock Festival

Chesterfield’s Tapton Lock Festival celebrated a record-breaking attendance this month, with a host of new activities and performances for local families to enjoy.

Over 3,000 people attended the two-day festival at the Tapton Lock Visitor Centre, making it the most-attended year since it started in 2012.

The free annual event is organised by Junction Arts and Derbyshire County Council, bringing outdoor theatre, music and dance, arts and crafts workshops, stalls and activities to the banks of the Chesterfield Canal.  The aim is to encourage families and friends to come together to enjoy the outdoors and promote better health and well-being.

This year, visitors took part in a number of arts and crafts activities, music and dance workshops, ‘have a go’ canoes and boat rides.

Firm favourites, the bubbleologist, storytellers, circus skills and the climbing wall all returned, but there was also some new entertainment for 2023, which included performances from Bollywood dancers, African drummers, and the Babbling Vagabonds Magical Market Stall!

Visitors also tried their hand at Lego printing, clay sculpting, creating wire bubble wands and forest school activities.

tapton lock 2023 bubbles

Junction Arts Project Coordinator, Jane Wells said: “The Festival was a huge success and the nice weather encouraged even greater numbers this year!  We had a really varied programme, including amazing outdoor theatre from the Babbling Vagabond’s and their Wagon of Wonder, incredible performances by visitors of all ages who took part in Nisha Lall’s Bollywood dance workshops and lots of arts and crafts activities for people to take part in, and all for free.”

“We were also thrilled that visitors could experience the rich cultural heritage of Chesterfield with representation from the Chesterfield Asian Association, the African Caribbean Community Association, Polonia Chesterfield and Verba, the Ukrainian Social Group.  Lastly, we would like to take this opportunity to thank all the volunteers who helped make this such a successful event and to all our funders and sponsors.”

Find out more about events and activities for the whole family taking place in Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/

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.

tapton lock festival 2023 families

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Chair’s blog: “It has been delightful to see so many people attending events”

As summer draws to a close, I wanted to reflect on some of the fantastic activities which have happened in our town over the last few months…

It has been delightful to see so many people attending events, bringing local communities together and supporting our independent businesses.

Back in June, we saw some fantastic cricket as Derbyshire played host to Yorkshire at Queen’s Park, with Derbyshire coming out victorious in front of a fifth successive sell-out crowd.

The Chesterfield Canal Festival also saw more than 8,000 people visiting Staveley. It is brilliant to hear of the work Chesterfield Canal Trust is carrying out with partners to restore the canal and the Staveley basin.

Elsewhere, Chesterfield’s reputation for having one of the biggest and best Pride festivals in the region was once again showcased, with more than 5,000 attendees enjoying ‘90s boyband, A1 and rapper Tinchy Stryder.

The first-ever Chesterfield Children’s Festival proved a hit with youngsters, with silent discos, comedy clubs, theatre workshops, and more. It is wonderful to see that our town is providing a quality leisure offer for people of all ages.

One of the events which really stirred emotions was the Sparkle Night Walk, in aid of Ashgate Hospice. A record 3,100 people took part, raising over £150,000 for a charity which I know is dear to so many in our area. A big well done to everyone who got involved.

We also saw the first-ever Peddler Market in Chesterfield, which was welcomed to the town centre with resounding success. It was great to see people enjoying quality food and drink from the traders, including Chesterfield’s own Pizza Pi! I can’t wait to see its return on the 15th and 16th of September.

I’m excited to see how Chesterfield’s programme of events continues to develop in the coming years, with upcoming regeneration in our marketplace set to create a more communal and social space in the heart of the town. Somewhere you will enjoy sitting and chatting with family and friends.

Plans for next year include a new market layout with modern stalls, more seating, better lighting, and refreshed paving. This will all provide the flexibility needed to host events regularly in the town centre, providing that much-needed footfall for our independent shops, bars, and restaurants. The regeneration will go ahead thanks to £25m of funding, secured by Chesterfield Borough Council, with the market being just part of a major project that will see several improvements to our town centre, including the Stephenson Memorial Hall. Who knows what fun awaits once all the work is completed!?

I hope that we can all continue to support our local events, businesses, and people. By doing so, we can make a huge impact on the future economic growth of our area by attracting more visitors to stay here, more families to live here and more businesses to invest here.

Peddler Market

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