More events planned for Chesterfield town centre after success of big wheel

Chesterfield's big wheel has been a resounding success. Picture by Michael Hardy.

The 60-metre crowd-pleaser - which was brought to the market place by Chesterfield Borough Council in partnership with operators Mellors Group Events - will leave on Sunday.

Over the past four weeks, many hundreds of people have ridden the wheel - with a number of town centre businesses reporting a welcome increase in footfall and trade.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, deputy leader of the council, told the Derbyshire Times: "The Chesterfield wheel is a recent example of where we have been able to deliver something special for the town at no cost to taxpayers while providing a real boost to the town's shops and market traders.

"This is in addition to the successful artisan market and big town centre events, such as the medieval market, which attract large crowds throughout the year.

"We are always looking to add to the town centre events calendar and would welcome any business or company with ideas to come and talk to us.

"One big new event will see us work with an external company to deliver the first Street Food and Grooves Festival in the town centre, between May 11 and 13. This will see a wide mix of hot and cold food stalls from around the world, alongside live stage music. This will be another significant draw for both residents and visitors alike.

"Another example is the series of events being held in November to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War, where we are working with a range of community and voluntary groups. The wide-ranging events will include a ‘poppy fall’ being created down both sides of the town hall entrance."

Dom Stevens, manager of the Destination Chesterfield marketing group, added: "The big wheel proved a great draw for the town centre, bringing in both new visitors and encouraging people to return to the town who may not have been in recent months.

"We know that events bring people into the town and the wheel was no exception.

"There are further events planned for the town throughout the year which, I hope, people will embrace in the same way they have the wheel and show their support through increased footfall into the town which will benefit the many great businesses based there."

One market trader said the wheel ‘has been a great thing’ while another said he had noticed an upturn in footfall and trade.