Peddler Market moving to March 2024

Organisers of Chesterfield’s first ever Peddler Markets – which saw thousands flock to the town centre in June and September – have announced plans for it to return next year.

Working in partnership with Chesterfield Borough Council, Peddler Market will be bringing their unique street food event back to Chesterfield on 22 and 23 March 2024.

The new spring date will replace the event, which was due to take place in late November, and will see it return to the town centre with the popular mix of award-winning street food, craft drinks and live entertainment for the whole family.

Ben Smith, Director at Peddler Events, said: “Our first two events in Chesterfield have been fantastic and we’ve been really pleased with the number of local people coming to support the event. We understand that some people will have already made plans around the November event and we’re sorry for any disappointment this decision may cause.

“The decision to switch from November to March was made recently in response to a series of logistical and operational challenges that have emerged in recent planning discussions with the Town Centre Management team. Installations associated with the town centre’s Christmas celebrations would have restricted the site plan and its access, making a Peddler Market at New Square in November unsuitable.

“But by moving the event to March we can ensure everything runs smoothly and we can host an event that will bring the leading lights of the street food world to this wonderful market town and see them shine alongside the wealth of talent and heritage that Chesterfield has to offer.”

Peddler Market has provided a massive boost for Chesterfield town centre by increasing the number of visitors and also encouraging visitors to support other town centre businesses.

Feedback from the first two events has been overwhelmingly positive with many visitors commenting how much they enjoyed the event and business highlighting how much their sales had increased during the event.

Chesterfield Borough Council has partnered with Peddler Market to help support and establish the event – putting Chesterfield on the map as a go-to place for the unique Peddler experience.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We’re delighted to welcome a spring-time Peddler Market, which will be another great opportunity for crowds to come out and enjoy the great food, and family atmosphere.

“Even though the planned November date has now moved, there still lots to do and see in Chesterfield at Christmas this year, including our Christmas Lights Switch On, the ever-popular Festival of Christmas Trees and some fantastic speciality markets.

“We’ve seen a great response to the first two Peddler Markets in Chesterfield and I’m sure we’ll see lots of people come along and support this event in March 2024. Make sure you save the date as it will be a brilliant event with award winning street food, craft drinks and live entertainment everyone can enjoy.”

Peddler Market will begin preparing for the event in March and will be sharing announcements about confirmed traders and live entertainment in the new year.

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.

1. The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus

2. The UKSPF is intended to replace EU Structural Funds, although the scope of activities that can now be supported under UKSPF is wider than that under the previous EU funding regime.

3. The primary goal of the UKSPF is to build pride of place and increase life chances across the UK, via three investment priorities: Communities and Place; Supporting Local Business; and People and Skills.

4. Details of UKSPF projects in Chesterfield borough will be updated on the council’s website at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/business-and-economic-growth/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-ukspf

Media enquiries: Please contact Robin Mears at Chesterfield Borough Council on 07964 921563 / robin.mears@chesterfield.gov.uk

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