Local School Children Help Shape Chesterfield Children’s Festival
Local School Children Help Shape Chesterfield Children’s Festival
Pupils from Abercrombie Primary School in Chesterfield have been given special VIP access to one of the town’s most popular events, playing a key role in shaping this year’s Chesterfield Children’s Festival.
Year 6 students have spent the past 12 months working alongside organisers and local charity Junction Arts to help programme the 2026 festival. Through a series of workshops, discussions and creative sessions, the children have shared their ideas on the entertainment and activities they want to see included.
The partnership began last June, when the pupils took part in a comedy and confidence-building workshop with festival favourite Wacky Woody. This marked the start of a year-long collaboration, with the class becoming official “F.B.I. (Festival Budding Investigators)” agents, helping to influence the festival’s development.
Their first mission was to attend and evaluate last year’s event. Building on their feedback, and following a year of cultural experiences and workshops, the pupils helped ensure that the 2026 programme reflects the interests and creativity of young people in the town.
Now in its fourth year, the Chesterfield Children’s Festival is a free event that celebrates imagination, play and the magic of childhood. It offers a wide variety of performances, activities and experiences suitable for children of all ages.
Jemma Burton, Project Manager at Junction Arts, said: “The Children’s Festival aims to bring high-quality arts and cultural experiences to Chesterfield, inspiring young people by introducing them to things they may never have seen before and encouraging them to take part in creative activities.
“Over the past four years, we’ve introduced everything from silent discos and catwalk shows to DJ lessons and live movie experiences. This year, we’ve been incredibly lucky to work closely with young people from Abercrombie Primary School. Our FBI agents have been honest, insightful and full of ideas. They have truly helped shape the 2026 programme, and we’re proud to bring their ideas to life.”
Mrs Kirsty Gratton-Bircumshaw, HLTA at Abercrombie Primary School, said:
“Over the past two years, our Year 6 pupils have taken part in fantastic sessions with Junction Arts. Every session has been creative, engaging and great fun. This year, the children have also helped plan the Queen’s Park Children’s Festival – from choosing performers and food vendors to making sure there was something for everyone to enjoy. They even worked with a performing group to help shape their act and celebrate what makes Chesterfield special. Through this experience, the children have gained a real understanding of everything that goes into organising a festival, from practical details like budgeting and safety to the exciting elements visitors see on the day. A huge thank you to Junction Arts for such a valuable and inspiring experience.”
A year six student, involved in the project said: “I had lots of fun that first day with Junction Arts, and it was the start of something that I’ll never forget.”
One of the highlights for 2026, chosen by the Abercrombie pupils, is Chesterfield to the Front, an interactive theatre show and live band experience by national theatre company Crescendorious, celebrating everything that makes Chesterfield unique.
Also returning by popular demand is Wacky Woody’s Comedy Magic Show, bringing a mix of impressive tricks and laugh-out-loud moments from a performer who has appeared at some of the UK’s best-known comedy venues.
A dedicated early years programme will feature performances and activities designed specifically for children aged 0–4. These include the return of Marie the Makaton Mouse, Play, Dance, Move workshops, and The Delights — a multi-sensory theatre experience designed to spark imagination and encourage participation.
Alongside the main programme, visitors can enjoy a wide range of additional activities, including family life drawing, face painting and hands-on creative workshops. Thanks to sponsorship from Kip McGrath Chesterfield West, an additional craft tent will also be available, giving families even more opportunities to get creative. All activities are free, with no booking required.
Accessibility remains a key priority for organisers. The festival will include a mobile accessible toilet and changing facility, ensuring disabled children and adults can attend comfortably. British Sign Language interpreters will also be available throughout the weekend.
The Chesterfield Children’s Festival will take place at Queen’s Park from 10am to 4pm on 18–19 July.