Save the date – exciting events happening in Chesterfield in 2026

Chesterfield is set to host a selection of exciting events in 2026 – with the return of some old favourites and a few new events to keep families, residents and visitors entertained.

This year’s events programme aims to bring more people into Chesterfield town centre and create unique experiences for the whole community to enjoy. The full programme of events is still being developed but there are some key events ready to announce.

Chesterfield Glow Up is an exciting new event for the town taking place on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 March. The centrepiece of the event is a light show on the Market Hall which has been created by internationally renowned projection art company, Illuminos, as part of the Animate Chesterfield programme.

The event will also include fun fair rides, free UV face painting, an exciting entertainment schedule and a night market.

Chesterfield’s popular 1940s Market will be back on Thursday 28 May. The event attracts huge crowds every year and this year will see the return of some fantastic entertainers.

The Market will also be joining in the national Love Your Local Market campaign in May.

The Chesterfield International Market is returning from 19 to 21 June – you’ll find a fantastic selection of global street food and other traders.

A new event on Saturday 15 August will celebrate the local emergency services.

The Christmas Lights Switch On always marks the start of the festive period in the town and this year the event will be on Sunday 22 November.

More events are currently being planned for summer 2026 including a new food festival – details about these will be shared on the council’s social media pages and website soon.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “With the improvements across the town centre set to be completed this year, we’re excited to unveil our events programme and make great use of the new spaces to attract visitors and provide free entertainment.

“Whilst this is just a selection of everything that will be happening this year, we wanted to make sure everyone had the opportunity to start planning for the year ahead. We’ll be announcing more events and activities in the spring.

“Events like these are a great way of attracting new visitors to support town centre businesses and market traders – I hope that you can join us for these fantastic events.”