Chesterfield business's handmade illuminated stars light up historic cathedral
“Our stars are for everyone, whatever their faith, belief or background.”
A Chesterfield business celebrating 30 years of traditional craftsmanship is behind a breathtaking installation at Leicester Cathedral this Christmas.
Independent company Paper Starlights has created Light of Stars, an immersive installation that has transformed the cathedral into a canopy of glowing, handmade paper stars.
Since opening on October 31, the installation has attracted widespread attention, including features on BBC East Midlands Today and ITV Central.
But behind the striking images is a story that began three decades ago, thousands of miles away from the historic cathedral.
Founded in 1996 by Andy Jupp and Jules Cooper, Paper Starlights began with a fascination for the traditional paper star lanterns they discovered in India. What started with selling stars at markets has grown into an established Chesterfield business, supplying independent retailers, Christmas markets and increasingly ambitious creative installations.
The business remains a familiar sight at festive events, returning to both Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall Christmas markets, bringing colourful handmade lanterns to local Christmas shoppers.
The installation has been designed to create a shared space where people of all faiths, backgrounds and generations can come together, reflect and experience a moment of calm.
Co-founder Andy said: “We want people to look up and see something beautiful, but we also hope they feel welcome and find a little comfort beneath the stars.
“Light means different things to different people. It might bring back a memory, represent hope or simply make a place feel warmer.
“Our stars are for everyone, whatever their faith, belief or background. Seeing people come together beneath them at Leicester Cathedral is a lovely way to mark our 30th year.”