Be a Star and Support Independents this Christmas

If you’ve been in Chesterfield recently you might have spotted beautiful star lanterns popping up across the town. A range of local, independent businesses in Chesterfield have teamed up to spread the message about the importance of shopping local and supporting independent.

The Be a Star and Support Independents campaign has been organised by Independent Chesterfield, a group of like-minded business owners keen to promote the town. Supported by a generous donation of second-hand star lanterns from fellow Chesterfield-based business, Paper Starlights, the Independent Chesterfield group have distributed these to around 80 businesses across the town centre who are displaying them in their windows.

By shopping at or using the services of businesses displaying these stars, customers know that they are supporting their independents and putting their money directly back into the local economy to ensure the town stays vibrant.

Get involved with the campaign by following Independent Chesterfield on Instagram or Facebook, and sharing your favourite local independents using @independentchesterfield or the hashtag #independentchesterfield.

My recommendations for a festive wander around Chesterfield

If you’re unfamiliar with Chesterfield I would park in the Saltergate multi storey car park (S40 1LP) which is well-lit and easy to park (pay on exit – have your ticket (and glasses!) handy as you return as you’ll need to enter a code to get back into the car park.

From here, take a slight detour right. Then at the Thai Pavilion, turn left and walk down historic Glumangate (because it’s prettier) and then head left to Bottle & Thyme for pre-shopping fortification! Or keep heading down towards the Market Pub (a ‘proper’ pub with great vegan options) or Cawa coffee.

Shop Indie is pretty central to the town centre and a great place for gifts, cards etc. The quirky streets of The Shambles and The Yards are bursting with character. Look out for Adorn, an award-winning jewellery boutique. Both shops are passionate advocates of all things Chesterfield.

Chatsworth Road is also bursting with independents (with a similar vibe to Ecclesall Road in Sheffield), probably more cafés and bars than shops – but worth a wander nevertheless! You could walk from town – or there’s lots of street parking. If you’ve never been, start at Libby’s (or Koo) and walk all the way to Junction – or vice versa.

Make a weekend of it

Chesterfield is just minutes away from the Peak District national park – with Chatsworth less than twenty minutes away. Push the boat out with one of the hot tub and sauna suites at Casa (who are also offering decadent, midweek festive lunches in their sublime Cocina restaurant – or epic festive sandwiches, churros and seasonal cocktails in Barca Bar). Or find cheaper accommodation at the Galleon Steakhouse.

A short drive away, is Peak Edge, a fabulous boutique hotel which would be the perfect winter bolthole for a relaxed yet luxurious winter staycation. Think roaring fires, cosy corners – decadent afternoon tea etc!

Wherever you are in Chesterfield – do look out for the ‘Be a Star’ paper lanterns!

For similar mini-guides to festive days out in Derbyshire, read my guide to Derbyshire Christmas shopping.

Want to support local but prefer to shop online? Read this entirely click-able Derbyshire Christmas Gift Guide!

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