With the Easter holidays just around the corner there are lots of fantastic events and activities for families to enjoy.
Whether you want to try some new crafts, learn about history, get sporty or entertain yourself at the theatre there is something for everyone to enjoy in Chesterfield.
Discover life in the Tudor era
Chesterfield Museum will be hosting an interactive exhibition where you can discover what it was like to live during the Tudor era – with lots of hands-on activities, a selection of mystery items, Tudor costumes to try on and a selection of Tudor inspired crafts.
The free exhibition is being hosted at Hasland Village Hall and is open on Tuesdays through to Saturdays from Saturday 5 April until Saturday 19 April. During the week it will be open from 10am to 2pm, and on Saturdays from 10am to 4pm. Please note that the exhibition will be closed on Good Friday (18 April).
There is a launch event on Friday 4 April from 3.30pm to 7pm, where you can get an exclusive early preview of the exhibition.
On Saturday 5 April you’ll be able to meet a Tudor surgeon who will recommend some period treatments, including everything from herbs to leeches! They will also reveal all the gory details about medicine during the period and will have a selection of surgical equipment for you to look at.
The following weekend on Saturday 12 April you’ll be able to learn about food and feasting 16th Century style. You’ll find out more about the food people ate including what made a banquet fit for a King and you’ll be able to get hands-on to create some traditional Tudor gingerbread.
On Wednesday 16 April the finds liaison officer for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire will be visiting to help identify your mystery objects and archaeological treasures. She’ll also talk about what happens when people find artefacts in Derbyshire and the work she does to identify and record them. If you are planning to come along with your mystery objects, you can just drop in but if possible please email meghan@derbymuseums.org to book a place and ensure you can get your items seen.
The Tudors Exhibition and events are part of Museum on the Move programme which is funded through Arts Council England and aims to help local people connect with history and culture whilst Stephenson Memorial Hall is closed for refurbishment.
Transport yourself back in time at the 1940s Market
On Thursday 10 April the town centre will be transported back to the 1940s with a variety of music, street performances and period dress.
The ever-popular free event will run alongside the Flea Market with lots of family friendly activities and things to see.
You’ll be able to see some unique walk-about entertainment including Laurel and Hardy, an escape artist and a pilot with his magnificent ‘flying machine’.
Popular performers including the Daisy Belles, Kalamazoo Dance Band, Kyle Evans, Jayne Darling, Johnny Victory and many more will be performing a selection of vintage tunes throughout the day.
There will also be a replica Hurricane plane to take your picture with, a selection of vintage vehicles and children can take part in a mini-soldiers camp at the Crooked Spire Church.
Find out more about this event by visiting the 1940s Market event listing.
Egg-citing Easter Trail and Crafts at the Market Hall
Chesterfield Market Hall has had a Spring glow up thanks to local illustrator Sally Anderson who has brought her unique designs into the Café area.
You’ll be able to explore the Hall with hidden egg baskets hidden inside, with each holding a secret letter, if you can crack the code and spell the hidden word, you’ll be in with a chance of winning a delicious Easter egg.
To take part in the free trail simply collect an activity sheet from Aunty Dot’s Sweets inside the Market Hall between Saturday 5 April and Friday 18 April.
From 11am to 4pm on Tuesday 15 April you’ll also be able to take part in an egg-citing free craft workshop where kids will be able to create their very own Easter bunny hand puppet to take away with them.
Get active at the Healthy Living Centre and Queen’s Park Sports Centre
Family friendly splash sessions will be held at both centres with toys, floats and sinkers available to play with.
At Queen’s Park Sports Centre they will be held on Tuesdays from 1.30pm to 2.30pm, Fridays from 2.30pm to 3.30pm and Sundays from 2.30pm to 4.00pm.
At the Healthy Living Centre in Staveley they will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1.15pm to 2.45pm and Saturdays from 2.15pm to 3.45pm.
Booking is required for these sessions and children should be accompanied by a suitable adult but children aged eight and above can attend unaccompanied as long as they are able to competently swim at least 50 metres in the main pool.
Parent and toddler splash sessions will also be held at the Healthy Living Centre on Mondays from 1pm to 2.30pm and Thursdays from 10am to 11.30am.
These sessions are designed for children up to the age of five with the moveable floor raised to create a shallow splash zone, toys, floats and music suitable for children being played.
There will also be climbing sessions available for children at the Healthy Living Centre.
You can find out more and book by visiting our sport and leisure page.
Our friends at Qualitas will also be running an Easter Camp with sporty activities taking place from Monday 14 April to Thursday 17 April.
Children will be able to try a lot of new skills, try new things and make new friends. There will be swimming activities on each day too.
The camps all start at 10am and end at 2pm and cost £10 per child. You can book your child’s place by visiting the Qualitas website.
A Panto at Easter – oh yes there is!
Anton Benson Productions return to Chesterfield with their hilarious new Easter Pantomime – Pinnochio.
Join Pinocchio as he sets off on his adventure to Fantasy Island, where he hopes to learn right from wrong and fulfil his dreams of becoming a real boy. But will he follow his conscience or will the wicked Stromboli have other plans?
It's set to be a fantastic show with a great cast including TV’s Bobby Davro, Amanda Henderson from Casualty and Zippy and George from Rainbow making a special guest appearance.
The fun family show will be on Saturday 12 April with a matinee at 3pm and an evening show at 7pm.
You can book your tickets by visiting the Chesterfield Theatres website.
Zip around Queen’s Park on the mini train
The Queen’s Park Mini Train will be running during the Easter holidays – it’s a fun journey around the lake and a chance to see the park’s wildlife.
Weather permitting, it will be running every day from Friday 4 April to Friday 18 April, except Mondays, from 10.30am with the last ride of the day is at 4pm.
There will also be a special Easter eggs-travaganza on 19 and 20 April, with a special trail to take part in a sweet treat at the end.
Tickets cost £2.50 per person with under-threes riding for free.
