Festival at new basin

CHESTERFIELD Canal Festival this year will be held at the new Staveley Town Basin, with the Chesterfield Canal Trust running all three of its trip boats along the restored waterway.

Final preparations are now being made for the Chesterfield Canal Festival on 30th June and 1st July, introducing the new trip boat  Hugh Henshall which is specially adapted to take even the most complex wheelchair.

Vintage coach and steam train

There will be boat cruises to Hollingwood Hub, the Trust's base and home of Nona's Coffee Shop. From there visitors will be able to take a ride on a vintage coach to Barrow Hill Roundhouse for a steam train ride. These boat trips can be booked in advance by ringing 01246 477569. Fares are £5, or £3 for concessions.

The Duke of Devonshire is due to open the Festival on the Saturday morning. He will then go on to name the Hugh Henshall and unveil a plaque by the Basin.

Host of activities

There will be a host of activities which will include an entertainment marquee and an outdoor entertainment arena featuring bands, clog dancers, choirs, drama, the Urban Gypsies (pictured) and Birds of Prey flying.

On the Saturday night there will be a concert by The Swing Commanders. Tickets for this concert cost £10 and can be purchased online via the Chesterfield Canal Trust website or by ringing 01246 477569.

In addition to the above, there will be children's rides, canoeing, zorbing, (pictured) Segway rides, the Raptor Foundation, model ships, MG cars, Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service practising water rescues plus dozens of stalls, lots of food outlets and a real ale bar.