Kids '˜excluded' from Chesterfield fun day, mum claims

Characters at a previous Chesterfield Medieval Fun Day.

Laura Batterham, 34, of Holmewood, says she feels ‘greatly let down’ after Chesterfield Borough Council organised the popular event for July 26 – when most children are still at school.

Despite her calls, the council has no plans to change the date of the fun day.

Mrs Battherham said: “I feel they’re excluding a portion of Chesterfield’s children from attending a fun, interactive, educational day.

“This will be the first year I and many others can’t attend purely due to poor planning.

“Family fun day? It’s not for those whose kids are in school.

“I feel greatly let down.”

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, the council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said: “We’re sorry that some children will miss our medieval fun day event this year.

“When setting the date for this year’s medieval fun day we took into account several considerations before fixing the date of July 26.

“Each year the event is held in late July and attracts 16 to 20 coach parties to the town centre.

“To have moved the event into August or changed the day could have meant reducing the number of visitors to the town centre which, in turn, could adversely affect the local economy.

“We’re also aware that several schools will already have finished for the summer meaning that many children will be able to come to the event.

“We have a programme of events suitable for all ages throughout the summer at Chesterfield Museum and I hope people will be able to come and get involved with them,” she added.

For those who can attend, this year’s Chesterfield Medieval Fun Day will take place in the town centre between 10am and 4pm.

People will be able to visit a medieval encampment in the grounds of the Crooked Spire and there will also be a variety of weird and wonderful characters in the area – including a court jester, medieval beggars, a goblin and a dragon.

If you are a trader and would like to book a stall for the day, email [email protected] or call 01246 345999

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