Christmas

Chesterfield Champions getting into the festive spirit with eye-catching Christmas trees

A number of Chesterfield Champions have been getting involved with one of Chesterfield’s favourite festive events this year, after unveiling their designs for this year’s Festival of Christmas Trees.

The annual display, which takes place in the historic Crooked Spire Church brings together businesses, charities, community groups and other local organisations to show off their trees for the whole community and visitors to the town to enjoy.

The trees are on display from 17th-27th November, with the church also open for people to view the displays on the day of the Christmas lights switch-on and market.

Scroll down to see some of the fantastic trees donated by Chesterfield Champion businesses for this year’s event, and to find out more about the fun gifts, food & drink and activities you can find in Chesterfield, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/christmas/

Find out more about how your business can support the marketing of the town through Chesterfield Champions at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/destination-chesterfield/champions/

Start Financial Planning

Start Financial Planning are using their tree to launch a fun charity competition for visitors at the festival.

Chartered Financial Planner, Steve Taylor commented: “Our tree this year is made from fake bank notes, and we’re asking people to guess the value of notes on the tree.

“The closest guess will get half the total value of the tree donated to their favourite local charity, and the other half will be donated to the wonderful folks at the Crooked Spire as a thank you for hosting the event.

“We’re delighted to be part of this year’s festival – it’s always a fantastic community event and we can’t wait to use our entry to give a little bit back.”

Rosewood Wealth Management

Shannan Pool-Gorman, Independent Financial Adviser at Rosewood Wealth Management commented: “Rosewood are proud to be participating in the festival of Christmas trees in the crooked spire church this year amongst our local businesses in the Chesterfield community.

“Our tree has been designed using recycled wood and a local business for lasering of the decorations, demonstrating our commitment to lowering our environmental impact and supporting sustainability. Within our decorations we wanted to showcase our team, services offered and our sense of humour by playing on words related to the financial industry within well loved Christmas songs.”

Jones & Co. Independent Financial Advice

This tree from Jones & Co. Independent Financial Advice is inspired by the sector the firm operates in, with newspaper clippings from the Financial Times and other relevant publications.

A spokesperson for the company said: “Wishing all of the wonderful people of Chesterfield a very merry Christmas from all of us at Jones & Co Independent Financial Advice”

Northern Tea Merchants

Did you know Northern Tea Merchants recently scooped two accolades at this year’s Love Chesterfield Awards?

James Pogson, Director at Northern Tea Merchants said: “Our tree is to celebrate the things our customers love about our business. Our leaf teas, our freshly roasted coffees and our fine quality tea bags are all featured as decorations. We are always busy at Christmas time thanks to our loyal and discerning customers and we simply could not exist without them.

“Chesterfield is a very traditional town at Christmas and many people come here, even in bad weather, to visit the Festival of Christmas Trees and to enjoy our lovely, bustling town centre and markets.”

Fairplay

Chesterfield charity Fairplay have set their tree up in front of the beautiful stained glass window backdrop this year… The charity supports children and young people with disabilities and their families across North Derbyshire. Fairplay offers support to children aged 0-25 with physical, learning, behavioural and sensory disabilities.

 

Sparky Ink Studio

Jane Marie Wright, owner of Sparky Ink Studio said: “Our Studio loves Christmas and we were delighted to get the chance to take part in the Christmas Tree Festival. Some of our students have worked really hard to create some decorations to reflect our Studio.  Our ‘Sparky mascot’ tree topper was created by trainee Dan and I think its finishes it off beautifully.

“The amount of effort that has gone into this year’s festival by all the businesses involved and the Crooked Spire is sparkly festive and amazing. Something needed during these darker days. A must see for anyone visiting Chesterfield.”

 

Junction Arts

Hannah Bowdler, Relationship Fundraiser at Junction Arts said: “This tree was built with our volunteers as a celebration of the amazing lanterns made each year at the Bolsover Lantern Parade and last year at Chesterfield’s Lantern parade.

“The Crooked Spire tree festival is such a fantastic festive collaborative event which really celebrates the diversity of local businesses, charities, and community groups in the Chesterfield community!”

Elliot Mather LLP

The Chesterfield law firm has pulled off an innovative design using a bookshelf and some legal books, topped with a sparkling star.

Bethany Grisdale-Downs, Marketing Executive at Elliot Mather LLP said: “We really enjoy taking part in the Christmas Tree Festival each year, not only does it encourage us to get creative, but we get to see some brilliant trees from other businesses in Chesterfield.

“This event brings the local community together and you can really see the effort people put in.”

Derbyshire Voluntary Action

Derbyshire Voluntary Action has used this year’s Christmas tree to highlight it’s ‘Feeling Connected’ project, which aims to tackle loneliness and social isolation across our town.

Find out more about The Hub on Low Pavement, which is a safe space where people can go to join one of the activities the organisation runs. Activities include a singing group, mindful photography, board games group and more.

Wilkins Vardy

We love the subtle nod to Chesterfield Champions on this tree by Wilkins Vardy!

Company Secretary Paula Towndrow said: “We are thrilled to be participating in the Festival of Christmas Trees at the Crooked Spire again this year! It’s fantastic to see the local community come together for the occasion and spread some festive cheer at Chesterfield’s most iconic landmark.

“The trees all look amazing and seeing them in all their glory has certainly set us up for a very Merry Christmas here at Wilkins Vardy!”

Bluebell Wood Childrens Hospice

Bluebell Wood’s Tree has been put up in the spire to highlight the charity’s winter fundraising campaign. You’ll be able to spot the charity taking part in bucket collections across the town this festive period, and will also be offering a Christmas Tree recycling scheme in exchange for donations from local residents.

Isobel Wells, Regional Fundraiser for Chesterfield and Derbyshire said: “With only fifteen per cent of its funding coming from government sources Bluebell Wood is reliant on its fantastic supporters, without you the charity couldn’t reach as many people who need is as possible.”

Roy Peters Estates

This tree from Chesterfield Estate Agent, Roy Peters is celebrating all things local this Christmas, with all the decorations on the tree being either bought or made in Chesterfield!

Shorts Accountants

Shorts have been taking part in the Chesterfield Festival of Christmas trees since it began in 2014, and we are proud to continue to support this increasingly popular event.

Shorts was founded by Samuel Edward Short, in 1890. Back then, Samuel Short was a prominent individual amongst the Chesterfield business community, a benefactor of many local charities, the Mayor of Chesterfield (in 1908) and Churchwarden of the Parish Church from 1903 until his death at the age of 45, in 1914.

The Christmas Tree Festival brings everyone together – local businesses, organisations, charities, and education alike, in joint celebration of the festive period. Continuing to take part in this community event is very important to us, sitting alongside the connection that we have through Samuel Short.

The festival organisers very kindly ensure that our tree is always positioned in front of a plaque near the alter, commemorating his life, which reads “An earnest Churchman and a faithful citizen, who served well his Church and his native town.”

Banner Jones Solicitors

Ann-Marie Lowe, Marketing Manager at Banner Jones Solicitors said: “Banner Jones are one of the original supporters of the event and each year we have created something different, as we know how much it is enjoyed by thousands of local people.

“For many, it signifies the start of the Christmas season. Banner Jones has been part of Chesterfield for over 140 years and our tree this year will be adorned with photographs of how Christmas has changed over that time.

Mortgage 1st

Mortage 1st has put together a dazzling blue tree together for this year’s Festival of Christmas Trees, put together by their “very own Christmas fairy, Sarah Cave.”

The company said: “If you’re in or around Chesterfield over the next few weeks it’s definitely worth a visit!”

Adorn Jewellers

Laura Jo Owen, Owner of Adorn Jewellers said: “We’re so happy to be taking part in the magical Festival of Christmas Trees again this year. It’s such a joyful event and we love how it brings the community together.”

Vines Legal

Matrimonial and family law specialists, Vines Legal have set up their tree in the Crooked Spire, which features branded baubles and bows, and includes some mini legal books too!

R.P Davisdson Cheese Factor

The Cheese Factor is dedicating this year’s tree to a beloved colleague who sadly passed away earlier this year.

Simon Davidson, Owner of The Cheese Factor commented: “We are dedicating the tree this year to Georgina who worked at the Cheese Factor, sadly passed away earlier this year through Cancer.

“She loved Christmas and was always so excited to do the Christmas tree at the church each year. She was a big part of the Cheese Factor family and will be greatly missed.”

Milestone Financial Planning

Craig Croft-Rayner, Independent Financial Planner at Milestone commented: “We are grateful to be involved for a second year in this wonderful event, spreading Christmas cheer across the Chesterfield community.”

Sicily Restaurant

The winner of Restauarant of the Year at the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards has produced a special lemon-themed tree for this year’s event.

Sicily Co-owner, Monica Sardisco said: “We have been in Italy last week because had a little nephew born, and we bought decorations there… The tree smells of lemons too, so it’s very realistic!”

StraightCurves

This Chesterfield business are specialists in all things crafty, so it is no surprise to see some fantastic knitting, crochet and origami going into the decoration on StraightCurves’ tree!

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Join us for a great Christmas in Chesterfield

Chesterfield Borough Council is joining forces with Destination Chesterfield again this year to bring you a great selection of events and activities to enjoy in our town.

The Christmas in Chesterfield Campaign, called Everything for the Perfect Christmas, will run from Monday 14 November to 4 January 2023 and has been designed to include something for everyone.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “There is lots to get involved in around Chesterfield throughout the festive season.

“The cost of living is affecting everyone, but we have lots of free things for you to do to get into the Christmas spirit, including completing the Elf Trail, visiting the Christmas Lights Switch On, taking a trip to Revolution House or wandering around one or all of our popular markets. We hope you enjoy everything we have planned.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, said: “We’re delighted to be working in partnership with Chesterfield Borough Council to promote the town and all that it offers this Christmas.

“Chesterfield has a rich mix of independent shops, stores and market traders as well as well-known high street names which offer something for everyone’s tastes and budgets – from food and drink to gifts and experiences. Shopping local this Christmas has never been easier and is an ideal way to support the local economy and its businesses.”

Shopping

Support Local Standard

If you are looking to do some festive shopping, Chesterfield has a great range of independent retailers, offering treats and advice if you are unsure what to buy for a friend or family member.

We also have a number of markets taking place in November and December where you could pick up a few special gifts, as noted below:

If you are looking for more gift ideas for Christmas, visit chesterfield.co.uk/Christmas for locally sourced Christmas gifts, locally sourced food and drink for festive celebrations, great places to eat out with friends and family and more ideas for festive events.

Meet Santa in the Market Hall

Meet Santa Standard

Booking is now open to meet Santa in the Market Hall this year. Santa will be welcoming visitors into his grotto on the Market Hall balcony from 20 November. The cost will be £6.50 per child, which includes a present. Places must be booked in advance online or at the Visitor Information Centre.

Turning on the Christmas Lights

The Christmas Lights Switch On – a firm favourite in the festive calendar – takes centre stage on 20 November. This will be a magical event in the heart of Chesterfield, and everyone is welcome.

The event will run from 12pm to 6pm, with the official lights switch on at 4.45pm.

This year’s special guest, in Chesterfield to meet families ahead of the lights switch on, is Shrek.

Shrek will be making personal appearances at intervals between 12pm and 3pm outside the Visitor Information Centre in Rykneld Square.

Elf Trail

Have fun exploring Chesterfield and find the festive elves who will be hiding in the windows of our local shops and venues waiting for you to locate them from 21 November 2022 to Wednesday 4 January 2023. Spot them all and you could win a free Annual Family Pass for Matlock Farm Park.  Find out more.

Attend our pantomime

Sleeping Beauty Standard

Tickets are now on sale to see Sleeping Beauty at Chesterfield’s Winding Wheel Theatre. You can find out more and book tickets at www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk/shows/sleeping-beauty-pantomime.

Carol concert at Revolution House

carol concert at revolution house

Revolution House will 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).

Revolution House will be open from Thursday 8 December to Saturday 24 December, 11am to 3pm.  It will be decorated for Christmas with traditional greenery, including a kissing bough, and a flower festival with arrangements throughout the house, created by volunteers. Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted.

There is lots going on in Chesterfield throughout the festive season for everyone to enjoy, for more information visit: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/christmas/

Generic Christmas Standard

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Chesterfield independent businesses launch ‘Be a Star’ campaign, urging shoppers to support local this Christmas

Businesses of Chesterfield have teamed up to spread the message about the wonderful range of independents in the area and encourage locals to support them this Christmas with their ‘Be a Star and Support Independents’ campaign.

After a generous donation of second-hand star lanterns from fellow Chesterfield-based business, Paper Starlights, the Independent Chesterfield group have distributed these to around 80 businesses across the town centre who are displaying them in their windows.

By shopping at or using the services of businesses displaying these stars, customers know that they are supporting their independents and putting money directly into the local economy. Chesterfield is blessed with a wide variety of independent businesses including shops, hairdressers, market traders, cafes and more, and they need the support of the local community to ensure that the town centre and beyond remains vibrant and continues to grow.

Lisa Swift from Shop Indie said: “I don’t think the people of Chesterfield realise how many amazing independent businesses there are on their doorstep. People come into the shop every week who have just found us and never shopped with us before. This is why we are trying to use the stars to raise the profile of Chesterfield as a wonderful place to shop and eat.”

“Christmas is a time for joy and hope,” adds Laura Jo Owen at Adorn Jewellers. “By choosing independent businesses this year you’ll help to keep Chesterfield a vibrant town and bring happiness to our small business community.”

Alison Swift from Delightful Decor said: “Chesterfield is changing in many positive ways, becoming less about the multinationals and more about the small independent businesses. When people visit us they are often speaking directly to the business owner, telling us they want something a little different and that is where we can accommodate their wishes.”

Caroline Gleadall from TwelfthCraft commented: “In a world where you can shop anywhere, shop local. Make Chesterfield thrive. Love where you live.”

The stars will be on display from November 20th – Christmas Light Switch On – until Christmas, and customers can get involved on social media by tagging their favourite local independents on Instagram and Facebook @independentchesterfield or with #independentchesterfield.

Independent Chesterfield is a group of like-minded business owners with the aim of promoting local businesses. They are all passionate about their local town and want to raise awareness of the wide variety of interesting businesses right here in and around Chesterfield.

Find out more about the great range of local food and drink, gifts and activities on offer this Christmas at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/christmas/

Adorn Jewellers 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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Festive fun returns to Chesterfield with annual Christmas Lights switch-on

The Christmas Lights Switch On in Chesterfield will take place on 20 November, and everyone is invited to join us.

Families are invited to watch the stage show in the Market Place from 3pm, but there is a range of entertainment to enjoy in the town centre ahead of this as listed below. The lights switch on itself is at 4.45pm.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The Christmas lights switch on is one of my favourite events of the year. Residents and visitors will have lots to enjoy this year from meeting Shrek in Rykneld Square to seeing the live stage show, there is something to entertain everyone.”

The entertainment will be as follows – these acts will be performing at internals from lunchtime onwards:

  • The Rose Choir will be performing outside the library
  • You will be able to see the Phoenix Concert Band
  • The Pantonic All Stars Steel Band will be performing on Burlington Street
  • There will be walkabout entertainment around the market area including Band Beja, Glowbots, Carol Singing Christmas Crackers, The Greatest Showman Show, the Fairy Godmother and National ELF Service.
  • In the Pavements Shopping Centre, you will be able to see the Victorian Carol Singers performing between Boots and W H Smith
  • Outside Marks and Spencer visitors can meet Percy Pig

Chesterfield Museum

Chesterfield Museum will be offering a pop-up exhibit in the old Wards Shoe Shop (opposite Boots) where visitors can take part in Christmas crafts, Victorian games and handling objects from 10am – 4pm.

Crooked Spire Church

Visit St Mary and All Saints Church, otherwise known as the Crooked Spire, to see A Festival of Christmas Trees from 12pm – 5.30pm.

Stage entertainment

The stage show will start at 3pm and will include The Rose Choir (from Chesterfield Studios), the Carol Singing Christmas Crackers, Band Beja, and interviews with a Councillor and an independent trader.

There will be appearances from Santa, the Mayor and Mayoress and some of the Sleeping Beauty pantomime cast including a song by Olivia Bailey who plays Princess Aurora. The lights will be switched on at 4.45pm and then the crowd will be entertained by The Greatest Showman Show.

The entertainment programme is subject to change.

As one of our most popular events of the year, we expect a high footfall in the town centre so please allow plenty of time to both arrive and depart the event.

Tickets are now on sale to see Sleeping Beauty, this year’s pantomime, at Chesterfield’s Winding Wheel Theatre. You can find out more and book tickets online.

Meet Shrek in Chesterfield

This year’s special guest, in Chesterfield to meet families ahead of the lights switch on, is Shrek.

Shrek will be making personal appearances at intervals between 12pm and 3pm outside the Visitor Information Centre in Rykneld Square.

There is lots going on in Chesterfield throughout the festive season for everyone to enjoy, for more information visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/christmas/

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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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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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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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Traders invited to book their stalls for the Christmas Lights Switch On  

Makers, crafters, and independent retailers are being invited to book a stall on Chesterfield Market for the day of the festive lights switch on.

The Christmas Lights Switch On event is taking place on Sunday 20 November and traders are welcome to trade from 12pm to 6pm, setting up from 10am.

Regular stall holders, casual traders and local creatives are being invited to sign up now to reserve their place at one of the town’s most popular events. Stall allocation will be on a first come first served basis, with existing Licensed Traders being given allocation priority.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The Christmas Lights Switch On is always a fantastic event for all of the family to enjoy. As well as the lights being turned on in Chesterfield town centre, we have another great stage show planned too.

“We expect there to be a high footfall in Chesterfield with members of the public coming into town from both local communities and other areas in Derbyshire too. We are inviting our regular and casual traders, as well as those who have perhaps not traded on our market before to book a stall at this event.”

Stalls are priced at £35 each and can be reserved via the My Chesterfield online platform. A member of the visitor information team will then contact you to take your payment.

Market stalls comprise of either an 8-foot or twelve-foot stall, with 4 boards, enabling trading on either side.

Prospective traders can find out more if needed by contacting: markets@chesterfield.gov.uk.

Destination Chesterfield and Chesterfield Borough Council will soon be launching the Christmas in Chesterfield campaign for 2022, highlighting fun events, fabulous festive food & drink, and a guide to the best gifts available in the area.

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Visitors can get into the festive spirt at Chesterfield’s Revolution House this Christmas

Everyone is invited to step back in time this Christmas and visit Revolution House.

Decorated for a 17th Century Christmas with displays of greenery, a kissing bough, and colourful flower arrangements provided by our volunteers, this really is an attraction not to be missed.

The historic house is open from Thursday 8 December to Saturday 24 December 2022 from 11am to 3pm.

Those interested in history will also be able to visit the video room, and watch a short video on the Revolution of 1688.

Carol concert

A highlight of the Chesterfield Christmas schedule is always the special carol concert held at Revolution House. This will take place on Thursday 8 December at 6.30pm.

There, you can join Holymoorside Brass Band in the garden at Revolution House for traditional, festive carol singing. Song sheets will be given out on the night for everyone in attendance to join in with the carols and get into the festive spirit.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said: “If you are looking to organise traditional Christmas activities for all the family to enjoy, I’d recommend visiting Revolution House.

“The decorations are always stunning, and the annual carol concert always helps me to get into the festive spirit.”

It is advised that visitors bring a torch with them to the carol service as it will be dark when the performance takes place.

Please note that in the event of bad weather, the event could be cancelled. Entry to the house and garden is free, however donations are welcome to help the attraction in delivering more great events.

To find out more about upcoming events and activities taking place across Chesterfield, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/events/

Destination Chesterfield and Chesterfield Borough Council will soon be launching the Christmas in Chesterfield campaign for 2022, highlighting fun events, fabulous festive food & drink, and a guide to the best gifts available in the area.

 

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Star cast announced for Chesterfield’s Sleeping Beauty pantomime

Take one TV soap star icon, add in one of the nation’s favourite Britain’s Got Talent winners, sprinkle with an arty Disney presenter and mix to create an exciting star-studded cast to headline Chesterfield’s far from sleepy pantomime Sleeping Beauty.

Instantly recognisable from EastEnders and Coronation Street, Michelle Collins will be casting her own special spell over audiences as the bad fairy Carabosse. Boasting iconic places in TV history with her memorable roles as the home wrecker Cindy Beale in EastEnders and Rovers Return landlady Stella Price in Coronation Street, Michelle will ensure audiences have plenty to boo as the uninvited fairy delivers retribution on Princess Aurora.

He captured the hearts of the nation with his performances on Britain’s Got Talent and as pantomime hero, he’s sure to win the hearts of audiences too; Jai McDowall won the fifth season of BGT with his powerhouse vocals, natural charm and versatile song interpretations. Signed up to Syco Music, Jai followed up his TV success with an album and tour, before performing as BGT winner in the coveted Royal Variety Performance.

Bringing a palette of pantomime comedy, chaos and calamities to the production will be in the multi-talented hands of Lloyd Warbey, host of the legendary children’s TV classic Disney’s Art Attack. The much-loved show takes children on a fun-filled journey through the various stages of producing something artistic. Hosting the iconic show was a dream come true for Lloyd when he took over in 2012, having watched the programme religiously as a child. Professionally trained at the prestigious East 15 acting school, Lloyd will have audiences of all ages wrapped-up in laughter as he plays the pantomime fool.

Despite the notion of chaos with on-stage mishaps and mayhem, directing a pantomime is a careful balancing act of story, comedy, song and dance, combined with great staging, stunning lighting and special effects. And it’s going to take a special director to bring all these elements together in Chesterfield this Christmas!

With a back catalogue of choreographing and directing productions in TV, theatre and fashion, Di Cooke brings a wealth of experience to directing Sleeping Beauty. Having performed with Tina Turner, Rick Astley and Kylie, the in-demand director has also worked with comedy greats such as Ronnie Corbett and Russ Abbot, and more recently, Julian Clary and Alexander Armstrong.

Di has recently devised, directed and choreographed the award-winning Cromer Pier Show and The Cromer Christmas Show.

Pantomime producer Paul Holman said: “I’m thrilled Michelle Collins will be leading this year’s cast in Chesterfield and I’m sure audiences are going to love her stella performance as a pantomime baddie. She’s joined by a very talented and exciting cast with Jai and Lloyd. The production of Sleeping Beauty promises an adventure for all family, with exciting special effects depicting Princess Aurora’s 100-year sleep, glittering costumes and lots of traditional audience participation in what’s shaping up to be Chesterfield’s biggest and brightest panto.”

Tickets for the pantomime Sleeping Beauty at the Winding Wheel Theatre in Chesterfield are on sale now with a special discounted price on tickets purchased before 31 August 2022. Tickets can be purchased online at www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk/panto or by calling the Box Office on 01246 345 222.

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Chesterfield’s Pantomime moves to the Winding Wheel Theatre

Chesterfield’s annual pantomime will take centre stage at the Winding Wheel Theatre this year, while the Pomegranate Theatre undergoes a multimillion-pound refurbishment.

Discounted early bird tickets are now on sale for the performance of Sleeping Beauty, which will be presented by Paul Holman Associates from Tuesday 6 December 2022 until Tuesday 3 January 2023.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The pantomime is a Christmas tradition for many families in Chesterfield and it’s great that it’ll be back this year and that we can accommodate it in the Winding Wheel Theatre.

“Whilst the Pomegranate is closed for refurbishment, we’ll be making full use of the facilities at the Winding Wheel Theatre and ensuring that everyone can still enjoy a wide variety of fantastic performances and events.

“It’s a great opportunity to book at a reduced rate now and secure your tickets ahead of the Christmas rush later in the year.”

Paul Holman said: “We are delighted to have been selected one again to produce the pantomime for Chesterfield Theatres. Having produced the pantomime at the Pomegranate Theatre since 2012, we are really looking forward to presenting a pantomime in the Winding Wheel Theatre for the first time.”

The Pomegranate Theatre is set to close later this summer for works to begin on the multimillion-pound refurbishment project.

The work to Stephenson Memorial Hall, which is also home to Chesterfield Museum, will create a bespoke visitor attraction in the heart of Chesterfield – bringing together an extended Pomegranate Theatre, a reconfigured and modern museum, alongside new gallery space, a café bar, education and community facilities.

The Sleeping Beauty Pantomime is a fantastical tale full of fairies, bravery and enchantment. Featuring all of the best-loved panto shenanigans live on stage – with an abundance of laughter, dance and music along with dazzling scenery and costumes, spectacular special effects and plenty of audience interaction. This perfect Christmas treat with a star cast to be announced is for the entire family to enjoy!

There will be accessible performances including sign language, audio description and relaxed sessions. There will also be a touch tour of the set which partially sighted or blind customers will be able to book.

Discounted early bird tickets for the Pantomime are now on sale from at www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk/panto or by calling the box office on 01246 345 222.

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