Steampunk Market with stalls, classic carousel, live music and a parade through town is making its debut in Chesterfield
Chesterfield will host its first Steampunk Market with stalls offering handcrafted creations, clothing, artwork, curiosities and retro futuristic interventions.
Prepare to be transported into a world of gears, googles and grand imagination as steam powered technology meets Victorian aesthetics in New Square on July 4 and 5, 2026.
The family friendly event will feature live music performances, a classic Gallopers carousel, themed bars and tasty food.
Musicians will perform as follows – Saturday: Ben Culkin, acoustic artist at 11am, Sarah Newby, cello player at 12 noon, Willow Millard, pianist virtuoso/comic song writing at 1pm; Sunday – Callum Jones, bluegrass/folk at 11am, Cage of Crows, Gothic at 12 noon, Sarah Hinds, folk at 1pm, Dale Rowles from Steampunk band BB BlackDog at 2pm
Bringing the weekend to a colourful close will be a Steampunk parade through the town centre on Sunday from 3pm. Expect lots of fantastic creative costumes that have been hand crafted, feel free to join in with your best Steampunk costumes or just enjoy the parade.
The event is organised in partnership with Newark Steampunk Society.
Parvin Mannering from Newark Steampunk Society said: “Newark Steampunk Society are delighted to work with the Chesterfield Markets team to bring the wonderful and vibrant Steampunk folks to town.
“Whilst Steampunks have been sewing and making their extravagant and quirky outfits to wow the crowds, the market office has organised the fabulous New Square to give the townsfolk and visitors an immersive experience into the world of Steam and gadgetry embracing the Victorian love of invention. Whether you come to ride the carousel or chat with us to see how welcoming Steampunks are, you will have a brilliant and inspiring weekend.”
Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We’re excited to host our first Steampunk Market weekend and partnering with Newark Steampunk Society, will help ensure that it’s a fantastic event with lots of unique things to see and do.
“Our revitalisation of Chesterfield Market has created more flexible spaces that allow us to host fantastic events like this, with space for stalls, rides, food traders and entertainment in a great setting. Whether you’re a long-term Steampunk fan or just curious, this will be a brilliant event to come along to.”
The event is part funded by the Chesterfield Town Board Pride in Place programme, which is funded by the UK Government.
Dominic Staniforth, local business leader and chair of Chesterfield Town Board, said: “It’s fantastic to see new events take centre stage in the town centre, our engagement activities have shown this was a highly ranked priority for lots of local people. This engagement work has helped shape our priorities and as a board we felt it was important to help fund an expanded events programme for our town centre. I hope lots of people will come along to support this event and our brilliant town centre businesses.”
Pride in Place will see almost £20 million invested in the town over the next decade. All decisions about how this funding will be spent is determined by the independent Chesterfield Town Board and is being shaped by local people through engagement.
More information about the event and entertainment is available at: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/events/steampunk-market-weekend