Festive food and drink, quality arts and crafts and exciting experience days are amongst the great gifts available at the Virtual Peak District & Derbyshire Christmas Market, launched today by the area’s official destination management organisation.
The free online market at visitpeakdistrict.com/christmas-market celebrates the range of quality products made and sold in the area, from photography, jewellery and homeware to gift vouchers for overnight stays, dining and days out – urging people to get behind local businesses rather than turning to global online retailers this festive season.
The Virtual Peak District & Derbyshire Christmas Market was first launched in 2020 to enable a wide range of independent retailers, hotels, restaurants, attractions, artisans and producers to sell online during Covid-19 restrictions. In its inaugural year, the market reached over 33,000 page views and offered visitors the chance to browse and buy festive gifts with ease.
Now, in a bid to support even more Derbyshire businesses as the visitor economy embarks on the road to recovery, the market has been relaunched for 2021 with almost 100 independent exhibitors showcasing the best of the county.
Virtual stalls are arranged in eight categories including Accessories and Jewellery; Art, Ceramics and Glass; Experiences and Annual Passes; Local Food and Drink; Homeware and Books; Landscape Calendars and Prints; Short Breaks and Afternoon Tea; and Pet-friendly Gifts.
The market is part funded by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) project and aims to support the recovery of local businesses affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, says: “From locally-made products to unique experiences, the Peak District and Derbyshire is bursting with great gifts and we’re delighted to re-launch our virtual Christmas Market for 2021 thanks to support from our ERDF project.
“Now more than ever, shopping locally and supporting small businesses is of upmost importance and the Peak District & Derbyshire Christmas Market offers a great chance for visitors and residents alike to make a real difference by ordering gifts for friends, families, colleagues and customers that reflect the very best of what the area has to offer.”
Sir Richard FitzHerbert, Chair of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, says: “The Peak District and Derbyshire is home to a great many small and medium-sized enterprises who make some wonderful products. After 18 months of lockdowns and various restrictions, I am delighted to commend the return of this virtual Christmas Market.
“In addition to marvellous accommodation and attraction packages, why not buy some Derbyshire products for your stocking-fillers? From bespoke candles to extensive craft products, there’s something for everyone – so buy British, buy Peak District & Derbyshire this Christmas!”
The Virtual Peak District & Derbyshire Christmas Market will run until January 2022 at visitpeakdistrict.com/christmas-market. Show your support and join the conversation on social media using #PDDChristmasMarket.
