Swadlincote has joined a band of Derbyshire market towns aiming to attract more visitors by boosting their heritage.

The project will be led by a newly appointed marketing officer for the Peak District and Derbyshire.

Jessica Grocutt has been appointed as the first market towns project officer for towns, including Swadlincote, Ashbourne, Bakewell, Belper, Bolsover, Buxton, Glossop, Matlock and Wilksworth.

Ms Grocutt has worked in hospitality and events during her career, but will now turn her attention to working closely with the towns' councils, businesses and other organisations to help improve the attractiveness of the country’s market towns – which rely so heavily on tourists.

The role will see Ms Grocutt be involved with promoting tourism-related Derbyshire products particularly food and drink.

Ms Grocutt explained why she is so excited to get started in her new job role.

She said: “We’re working with towns that have been identified as having potential to develop further as thriving tourist attractions, and my job will be to act as a catalyst to help them fulfil that potential – organising everything from workshops and seminars to business support and advice.

“The aim is to attract visitors to come and see what our varied market towns have to offer, to stay and spend money in Derbyshire, and we’ll be developing itineraries to persuade them to visit more than one of our towns while they are here.

She went on to highlight exactly what she was going to initially do to help expand the success and awareness of the Derbyshire-made products in the area.

She said: “We’ll also concentrate on promoting Derbyshire-made products, with the main focus on food and drink, to encourage local businesses to use local products, and to make it clear to visitors that they are. So there’ll be workshops and advice on branding and we’ll also be linking in food fairs, farmers’ markets and other events.

“I’ve already been in touch with many of the town teams and councils about the project, but would also like to hear from businesses across the nine towns to discuss what type of support they need to help their communities flourish and prosper in the future.”

Jessica’s appointment is just one part of a £1.49 million support programme that has been funded by the European Regional Development Fund throughout three years.

Marketing Peak District and Derbyshire will be working with Derbyshire County Council, the Peak District National Park Authority and Business Peak District through the project to be able to provide workshops and networking events to help promote what they are doing.

If any businesses or organisations want to get involved in the Market Towns project, get in contact with Jessica at Jessica.grocutt@marketinggpdd.com or by phone on 01246 212924.

Fancy having a day out in Swadlincote?

Swadlincote is a town that is booming at the moment, with large businesses like fast food giants, KFC setting up shop. Trip Advisor even created their own list of five things to do in Swadlincote in 2017 that you can’t not do.

Rosliston Forestry Centre

A hidden gem in the heart of the National Forest in South Derbyshire, Rosliston Forestry Centre offers a whole day of activities from quits walks to action-packed family fun activities.

A mix of woodland, meadow, ponds and play areas see the centre as perfect for the whole family. With guided walks and games of ‘spot the wildlife’ there is a raft of things to do.

Seasoned Cookery School

One of Swadlincote’s most beautiful cookery schools, sat in the grounds of the Catton Hall Estate. A whole range of cookery courses are available to be taught, with a massive selection of 25 cooking and baking courses.

Swadlincote Ski and Snowboard Centre

A host of recreational skiing and snowboarding opportunities are open at the centre, including lessons for any level of ability. Complete with a relaxing Alpine Lodge bar and restaurant overlooking the slopes. Also located in the National Forest in South Derbyshire and open throughout the year.

Sharpe’s Pottery Museum

Discover the once crucial pottery industry of South Derbyshire from bricks to toilets. Complete with an iconic kiln hovel, along with a brand new children’s outside play zone, heritage lottery funded ‘a toilet story’ exhibition and a gallery of the national gallery.

Moira Furnace

A nineteenth-century blast furnace sat on the banks of the Ashby Canal. The furnace is now being operated as a museum complete with information boards and various displays about the heritage of the area.