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This year’s Chesterfield Canal Festival looks like being the best yet. There will be lots of things to see and do, including boat trips, with the added attraction of Steam Train rides at Barrow Hill.
The Festival will be held at Staveley Town Basin on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th June from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is £3, free for Under 12s.
At the Festival there will be three tripboats in operation. There will be entertainment all day both in the Entertainment Marquee and outside as well. 8 different bands, 4 dance troupes and a choir have been booked. The Babbling Vagabonds will be storytelling all round the site on Saturday.
The Chesterfield Canal Trust is very grateful to Markham Vale which is sponsoring the Arts content of the Festival.
Other attractions will include canoeing, zorbing, a miniature train ride and the Raptor Foundation flying Birds of Prey. Add in children’s rides (including bungee trampolines), a huge range of stalls, seven different caterers plus a Real Ale bar and you have a recipe for a super day out.
In addition, the Chesterfield Canal Development Manager will explain the next phases of restoration and hold Question and Answer sessions. Doubtless the effect of HS2 will be at the top of the list.
On the Sunday, there will be a Fun Dog Show, run by A&S Dog Training.
On the Saturday night, there will be a concert featuring the Swing Commanders at 7.30 p.m. The caterers and bar will be open for this concert.
At the same time, Barrow Hill Roundhouse will be running Open Days. These will demonstrate the Roundhouse at work, with the resident Peckett Steam Engine and 03 Diesel Shunter hauling passenger trains, turntable demonstrations and signal box tours.
The two sites are only a mile apart and will be linked by a free vintage bus service.
Buses 78 and 90 pass the Festival site, lots of other buses go nearby. There will be free parking at both venues. SatNav S43 3XZ for the Festival, S43 2PR for Barrow Hill.
For further information, ring 01246 477569 or go to the Chesterfield Canal Trust website.
