Champion: "We’re excited to deliver an event the community can be proud of."

Champion of the Week, Dan Walker, Organiser of Chesterfield Pride, shares how his role is helping to grow one of our town’s most popular community event.

What is your organisation looking forward to?

This year marks the start of our our 11th year as an event, following our  10th anniversary celebrations last year. With new dates and refreshed branding, we’re excited to deliver an event the community can be proud of.

What makes Chesterfield and North Derbyshire a good place to work and invest?

Ten years ago, there was no visible LGBTQ representation in Chesterfield or the surrounding areas. Chesterfield Pride was created to change that. Since then, the event has been embraced by the local community and has grown into a celebration that brings together thousands of people each year. The scale of local support is what makes Chesterfield and North Derbyshire such a positive place to work and invest.

Who has provided advice or mentoring, and how has it helped your organisation?

We received a lot of help from Destination Chesterfield and the Borough Council when we started the event. More recently, local businesses have helped the event grow through sponsorship, many of them fellow Destination Chesterfield members.

How are you supporting young people and how are young people contributing to the success of your organisation?

Chesterfield Pride is delivered entirely by volunteers. Many of them are young people, volunteering for the first time. They play a vital role in running the event, gaining confidence, skills and experience along the way.

How are you supporting our communities and improving our quality of life?

At its heart, Chesterfield Pride is about bringing people together. We welcome people of all ages, backgrounds and identities. While we are proudly an LGBTQ event, everyone is welcome. For many attendees, Pride is the one day a year they feel able to fully be themselves. It’s a day of celebration, but also a chance to reflect on progress and the work still to be done.

How would you describe Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, using only three words?

Welcoming, growing and scenic.

What experiences would you recommend sharing in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, and why?

The traditional market and medieval market, the thriving local music scene, cultural events around the town, and of course Chesterfield Pride.

What places would you recommend to someone planning a two-night stay?

Visit Chesterfield town centre on market day, take a trip to the historic Crooked Spire, cheer on Chesterfield FC at the SMH Stadium, enjoy live music or theatre in the evening, then the following day, take a nice walk in the Peak District to blow away any cobwebs. 

How do Chesterfield and North Derbyshire showcase their culture and heritage?

Grassroots organisations play a key role, with groups like Junction Arts delivering festivals and events such as the Tapton Lock Festival and Chesterfield Children’s Festival.

Where in Chesterfield holds a special connection for you?

Chesterfield is my home. I grew up in Spital and went to Hasland Hall School. It’s where I made friends for life.

Chesterfield Champions have been helping to promote Chesterfield and North Derbyshire for over 15 years. What have you most enjoyed about being a Champion during this time, and what is your vision for the town by 2030?

Being a Chesterfield Champion means being part of something bigger — working alongside others to promote the town. I’ve especially enjoyed seeing how shared support, advice and collaboration have helped businesses and events grow Chesterfield’s profile.

Looking ahead to 2030, I want Chesterfield to be a destination people actively choose to visit, combining our heritage, historic market and Peak District setting with strong infrastructure, a vibrant town centre and exciting events.