We’re delighted to share that Paper Starlights has been shortlisted for the Chesterfield Business Awards 2026.

As a small business based in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, this nomination means a great deal to us. Paper Starlights has been part of the local business community for many years, and to be recognised alongside other brilliant Chesterfield businesses is something we’re incredibly proud of.

A Chesterfield business with stars at its heart

Paper Starlights creates beautiful handmade paper star lanterns, designed to bring warmth, colour and atmosphere into homes, shop windows, Christmas markets, public spaces and festive displays.

Although our stars travel across the UK and beyond, Chesterfield remains a really important part of our story. Our business is rooted here, our team works from here, and many of our most meaningful displays and collaborations have happened with local businesses and venues.

To celebrate being shortlisted, we’ve been looking back at some of our favourite images of Paper Starlights shining around Chesterfield and Derbyshire.

You may have seen our stars in the windows and spaces of local businesses including Birdcage, The Market Pub, Koo, Maison Mes Amis and Ashgate Furniture Co, as well as at Chatsworth Christmas Market.

These images feel like the perfect way to mark the nomination, because they show what Paper Starlights is all about: creativity, community, craft and bringing a little extra light to shared spaces.

Recognition for a small creative business in Derbyshire

Being shortlisted for the Chesterfield Business Awards is a lovely moment for our team.

Paper Starlights has grown through a mix of creativity, hard work, seasonal trading, wholesale partnerships, online sales and long-standing relationships with customers and stockists. Behind every star is a lot of care, from the skilled artisans in India who make our paper star lanterns by hand, to the team in Chesterfield who prepare orders, build displays, attend markets and support customers.

For us, this nomination is not just about business growth. It is also about recognising the value of independent businesses, creative retail and the people who help bring character to our towns, high streets and local events.

Sharing light across Chesterfield and beyond

Our paper star lanterns are often associated with Christmas, but they are used throughout the year for home décor, weddings, celebrations, shop displays, festivals, installations and community spaces.

From festive market stalls to beautiful window displays, our stars have a way of transforming a space. They are joyful, decorative and full of atmosphere and we love seeing how different businesses, homes and venues use them in their own way.

Seeing our stars displayed around Chesterfield has always felt special. Whether they are glowing in a local shop window, decorating a Christmas market stall or adding colour to a seasonal display, they help tell a story of place, people and shared creativity.

Thank you for supporting Paper Starlights

We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported Paper Starlights over the years.

Thank you to our customers, stockists, market visitors, local businesses, suppliers, friends and wider community. Every order, recommendation, photograph, display and kind word helps our small business grow.

We’re very proud to be shortlisted for the Chesterfield Business Awards, and we’re looking forward to celebrating with the other nominees at the awards evening on 1st July.

Whatever the outcome, we’re grateful to be part of such a creative and supportive business community here in Chesterfield.

Thank you for helping us share the light.