Free entertainment for everyone to enjoy at Chesterfield's 1940s market

The event will be taking place from 10am to 3.30pm and visitors will be able to listen to a range of live 1940s music around the town centre, as well as seeing classic cars and military vehicles and meeting market stall holders who will be dressed in period clothing.

There will be street performers in the town centre throughout the event, with the Kalamazoo dance band back again by popular demand. They will be in New Square so don’t forget to pop over to see them whilst you are in town.

The event is taking place alongside the weekly flea market, and as always there will be a competition for the best dressed stall holders.

Performers will be in Chesterfield town centre throughout the event, and the full programme for the day is below.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The 1940s Market is a really popular event that is enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. There are not too many places you can go to see a range of free street entertainment like we have on offer here.

“We encourage anyone coming along to get into the spirit by dressing up in traditional 1940s outfits, although this is not essential of course. I’d definitely recommend coming along if you haven’t been before, as there is sure to be something here to entertain the whole family.”

There will also be a must-see replica spitfire in Rykneld Square all day. There will also be a display of classic cars, a vintage fire engine and a variety of other entertainment around the town centre to see including an escapologist.

Chesterfield Museum staff will also be attending with handling objects from their World War Two education box, as well as doing a make do and mend activity with Transition Chesterfield.

What’s happening at the event?

New Square (opposite the Portland Hotel)

• Kalamazoo Dance Band performing at: 11am – 11.45am, 1pm – 1.45pm and 2.30pm – 3.15pm.

Outside Etienne Curtains and Blinds

• The Daisy Belles – singers performing at: 10.15am – 10.45am, 12.15pm - 12.45pm and 1.45pm to 2.15pm.

Market Place

• Display of classic cars, a vintage fire engine and military vehicles from 10am – 3.30pm.
• Land Army and 1940s mining displays from 10am – 3.30pm.
• Escape artist / glass walker / fire eater performing at 10.45 – 11.10am, 1pm – 1.25pm and 3pm – 3.25pm.

Market Square (outside Santander)

• Natasha Harper – singer performing from 10.30am – 11am, 12.10pm – 12.40pm and 1.30pm – 2pm.
• Kyle Evans – singer performing from 11.20am – 11.50am, 1pm – 1.30pm and 2.10pm – 2.40pm.
• Post Offices through the years. This stand will offer an insight into the history of how the Post Office has progressed and how it supported the country and community throughout the 1940s. Visit from 10am – 3.30pm.

Pavements Shopping Centre (old Massarella’s Unit)

• Chesterfield Museum – Crafts, handling objects and displays from 10am to 3.30pm.
• Transition Chesterfield – make do and mend from 10am to 3.30pm.

Rykneld Square (outside the Visitor Information Centre)

• Full Size Replica Spitfire on display from 10am – 3.30pm.
• Jayne Darling – singer performing at 10am – 10.40am, 11.30am -12.10pm and 2pm – 2.40pm.
• Johnny Victory – singer performing at 10.45am – 11.15am, 1.10pm – 1.40pm and 3pm – 3.30pm.

Crooked Spire Church and Churchyard

• Tower Tours – adults £10, under 16’s £5 – taking place at 10.30am and 2.30pm.

Those attending the event are encouraged to use public transport to travel into Chesterfield, if possible, but there is also lots of parking available around the town centre too.