CELEBRATING ONE YEAR OF PROGRESS: BOLSOVER PLACE PROGRAMME ANNIVERSARY

Last week, we gathered to mark an important milestone in Bolsover’s journey: one year since the formal launch of the Bolsover Place Programme.

Held at Bolsover Assembly Hall on Thursday 10th July 2025, the First Anniversary Celebration brought together programme leads, partners, and community stakeholders to reflect on what’s been achieved - and look ahead to what’s possible.

And what a year it’s been.

Reimagining Bolsover’s Future

Launched 18 months ago, the Place Programme set out with a bold mission:

To reimagine, reinvigorate, and re-establish Bolsover as a place full of opportunity, pride, and promise.

One year on from the official launch, it’s clear this is no ordinary regeneration programme. It's a cultural shift, grounded in local identity, shaped by collaboration, and driven by the people of Bolsover.

Backed by Dragonfly Management, Bolsover District Council, and a committed private sector Place Board, the programme is already delivering on its core goals:

• Changing perceptions

• Raising awareness of the area

• Attracting new investment

• Improving the overall place offer

  
  

From the outset, this has been a people-powered approach, not led by politics or boundaries, but by local energy and belief.

Shaping Bolsover’s Identity

In just 12 months, the programme has made big strides in putting Bolsover on the map:

• Developed a new place narrative that reflects Bolsover’s personality and potential

• Rolled out a refreshed visual identity and branding

• Created a professional photographic library showcasing the area’s natural beauty and rich character

• Embedded the brand into community events like Bright Winter Nights and the Christmas Tree Festival at Bolsover Castle

Local organisations, including Visit Bolsover, have been quick to embrace the brand, helping to strengthen the town’s presence and story.

In the past year, Bolsover’s progress hasn’t gone unnoticed. The programme is gaining growing recognition beyond the region, with invitations to share its story at government panels, place-based forums, and - most recently - an upcoming keynote at the International Place Brand conference hosted by Manchester Metropolitan University.

As Therasa Garrod, currently completing a Master’s in Senior Leadership, shared:

“This isn’t just a job—it’s a commitment to the people and the place.”

Celebrating Community Champions

A highlight of the evening was the Best of Bolsover Awards, an inspiring celebration of individuals and organisations making a real difference across the district.

This year’s winners were:

• Shining Star Award – Kirsty Noble, Blüm Floral

• Business Community Award – Mortgage 1st

• Arts & Culture Award – Platform Thirty1

• Putting Bolsover on the Map Award – Junction Arts

• Visitor Economy Award – Creswell Crags

• Hospitality & Retail Award – East Midlands Designer Outlet

• Housing & Property Award – Bolsover North (Stancliffe Homes, Strata and Persimmon)

• Heart of the Community Award – Roxy Rhodes, Filter Free Business

Each winner represents the values of the Place Programme in action: vision, collaboration, creativity, and a deep commitment to Bolsover.

What’s Next?

We’re proud of what’s been achieved, but even more excited about what’s ahead.

Thank you to everyone who’s been part of the journey so far - whether you’ve joined an event, supported a project, championed a local business, or simply shared a positive story about our place.