Where and what time is the festival taking place?

Queen’s Park in Chesterfield on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th July, 10am until 4pm daily.

Where in Queen’s Park will the festival be held?

In the area near the bandstand.

Do I need to book a ticket?

The festival is free to attend, there’s no need to book, just turn up! 

What age is the festival for? 

There are activities and performances for all ages. This year we have a special early years programme for children aged 0-4 years, taking place in the stretch tent on both days.

Where can I see a full list of activities?

The event programme will be displayed at the festival, or you can download it in advance on the Children’s Festival event page here.

Are there toilets on site? 

Yes, there are toilets, disabled toilets and baby changing on site. Plus mobile changing places toilet.

What food is available to buy?

There will be Greek gyros, Mexican food and tacos, plus a coffee van. There will also be Frederick’s ice cream vans around the site.

You can also purchase drinks and food from Fredericks Café.

Is the event accessible? 

We are striving to make our events as accessible as possible.  We will have 3 x BSL interpreters at the festival, and there will be an accessible toilet and changing place. Please see full access information here. 

What is free? 

All the entertainment and activities are free. Facepainting will cost £2 per child this year.  Junction Arts is a charity, and there will be donation buckets at the event for anyone who would like to support the work we do.

Can I park at the festival?

We encourage people to use public transport or walk to the festival but the closest car parks, Queen’s Park Annexe Car Park,  110 Park Rd, Chesterfield S40 2JX, Queen’s Park South Car Park, Sports Centre, Chesterfield S40 2NH and Queen’s Park North Car Park, 13 Boythorpe Rd, Chesterfield S40 2NF. Queen’s Park is a 10 minute walk from the town centre where more parking can be found.

How do I get to Queen’s Park from Chesterfield Train Station?

Turn left out of the station and walk across the bridge over the A61, towards Chesterfield Town Centre. Follow Corporation Street till you get to a zebra crossing. Cross the road to Saint Mary’s Gate and walk past St Mary’s and All Saints Church (The Crooked Spire). Turn right when you get to the front of the church onto Rykneld Square. Head straight through the town centre. Turn left after you have passed the market hall onto West Bars. Walk straight until you get to a pelican crossing. Cross the road and head over the bridge into Queen’s Park.

How do I get to Queen’s Park from Chesterfield Coach Station?

Walk north-west from Beckingham Way onto New Beetwell Street. Continue along West Bars for approximately 120ft. Turn left when you get to the pelican crossing and head over the bridge into Queen’s Park.

Can I pre-book anything?

No. Most activities are drop-in.  However, this year (2026), there is a cyanotype workshop for which you will need to book a free place on the day; these workshops take place every hour from 10.30am. The cyanotype workshops take place in a Geodome, which will be located just above the bandstand, close to the Boythorpe Avenue park entrance.

Can I bring my dog?

The Children’s Festival takes place in a public park, and all dogs are welcome; however, we ask that they stay on a lead. We will have a water bowl at the Junction Arts gazebo.

Will the event still go ahead if it rains? 

Yes, unless it is predicted to be heavy rain or storms all day. We have some cover from the rain, but most activities are outdoors, so please dress appropriately, bring waterproofs and umbrellas. The ground may already be wet even if it doesn’t rain on the day.

Lost Children

Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times during the festival.  We recommend that when you arrive at the festival, you familiarise your family with the lost child point, which is situated at the Junction Arts tent.  We are also advising parents to collect a wristband from a Junction Arts team member for your child and writing a mobile phone number on it, so that a parent/carer can be contacted if your child is lost.