Love Sadler Gate: community group promoting Derby street

Running busy businesses in the same street in Derby isn’t the only thing three friends have in common.

Paul Hurst, Emma Shaw and Kay Samson are also the brains behind Love Sadler Gate – a newish community group which curates a unique programme of events on the iconic street where they work.

The trio, together with other business owners on the street, want to protect and promote Sadler Gate’s heritage as one of Derby’s original high streets, whilst increasing footfall is on their wish list too.

Headed up by Paul Hurst, owner of The Old Bell Hotel, he says the community group is passionate about shining a spotlight on Sadler Gate and celebrating the independent businesses which bring the 1,000-year-old street to life.

‘Sadler Gate is a one-off – a jewel in Derby’s crown, and we need to look after it,’ he says passionately.

‘It’s the heartbeat of the city, and we all love this street. Since we came together to launch the Love Sadler Gate group in 2022, thousands of people have attended our events, and it is great when we see people having a good time.’

Emma Shaw runs Mr Shaw’s House – a men’s casual clothing brand, bar, events and co-working space – with her husband Karl, while Kay, with her husband, Danny, are the brains behind Tubo gift shop, which stocks a beautiful collection of handpicked gifts and cards from UK makers and international artisans.

L-R: Kay Samson, Paul Hurst and Emma Shaw Photo: Nielsen McAllister ‘It was apparent at the very first meeting Paul arranged for the Sadler Gate community that there was a shared passion that, as a collective, we could bring something amazing to our street. Before I knew it, I had nominated myself to be part of the committee,’ adds Emma.

‘Setting up the new community group has definitely had its moments, but what we’ve accomplished in such a short time, with the amazing support from the Sadler Gate community, has made it absolutely worth it.

‘It was fantastic to see Sadler Gate buzzing at our first Night Market in November 2023. Kay and I were so busy in our own shops that we missed the street atmosphere that night, which was a great problem to have. The scale of what we’d accomplished as a group didn’t really sink in until a few days later.’

Emma beams as she recalls what the group has achieved to date.

‘At Love Sadler Gate’s first Night Market, more than 8,000 people turned out and the street was jam-packed,’ she remembers fondly.

‘Kay and I stood and watched the street fill up and it was just amazing. It was so overwhelming because we knew our community group had played a significant part in helping to bring Sadler Gate to life that night.’

Love Sadler Gate has a big year ahead. Like last year, it will feature the Spring Market in May and the Night Market in November, but there will be a whole host of new events to look forward to too.

‘Looking back on this past year, it is fantastic to think what we have accomplished, and we have some exciting plans for our 2025 programme of events that showcase what an amazing community we have on Sadler Gate,’ continues Kay.

‘We’re all invested in Sadler Gate’s success. We want to see our businesses flourish and our community thrive.

‘With the Love Sadler Gate group, we have the autonomy to create events that not only promote our wonderful independents but also reflect the unique character and community spirit of the street.

‘That’s why we’re working together to make Sadler Gate a must-see destination for businesses and visitors alike.’

Love Sadler Gate’s programme of events start with the annual Spring Market, which takes place next month on Saturday, May 3.

It’s a vibrant, joyous event which promises visitors a blooming good time – offering a delightful mix of shopping, food and drink, entertainment and children’s activities.

Stretching from the top of Sadler Gate down to the popular Electric Daisy, visitors will be able to explore all the independent businesses as well as browsing more than 30 local, artisan stalls which will be bursting with spring treats – from unique crafts, delicious baked goods and much more.

‘The Spring Market has been so popular, and it is a pleasure to see all the local businesses come together,’ remarks Paul, chair of the Love Sadler Gate group. ‘We get to showcase local traders and celebrate everything that’s good about Sadler Gate.’

In the same month, on Saturday, May 17, Love Sadler Gate will deliver something new and unique to Derby.

Paul and the team plan to sprinkle the city with dozens and dozens of Rolls-Royce cars – a company so synonymous with the city – as they invite vehicle owners and enthusiasts to the city.

‘We are so excited to bring these iconic Rolls-Royce cars to the Cathedral Quarter and it will be something quite amazing,’ he adds.

‘As well as the cars, there will be so much more to see with exhibitions at the Old Bell and the wonderful collection of must-sees in our museums.’

In June, Love Sadler Gate is planning a Pride event, followed by the annual Celebrate Sadler Gate Day, which is supported by the Cathedral Quarter Business Improvement District (BID).

In September, there will be a new Artisan Food and Drink Market, followed by Derby Folk Festival on Friday, October 10, to Sunday, October 12.

Last year’s Night Market was a huge success Photo: Mark Averill Following on from last year’s extremely successful Halloween event, Love Sadler Gate is planning another.

On Thursday, October 30, the street will be transformed with spooky Halloween decorations and there will be games, entertainment, artisan stalls and food and drink.

As with last year, many of the shops will stay open late to join in with a Trick or Treat Trail and visitors are invited to dress up.

To round off the 2025 programme of events, the aforementioned festive Night Market will make a welcome return on Thursday, November 27.

Alongside Sadler Gate’s superb independent businesses, more than 70 local artisan makers, food and drink producers and Sadler Gate’s hospitality venues will showcase their wares.

Under the twinkling festive lights, street entertainers will celebrate the street’s historical heritage and acts are already being booked to perform.

‘I have been a long-time business owner in Sadler Gate and these events mean we can share our passion for the street,’ concludes Paul.

‘Sadler Gate is Derby’s original high street with a vibrant history going back 1,000 years. Curated events are an important way to bring people to Sadler Gate and with the help of Emma, Kay and the other businesses on this street, we can organise things that reflect the unique character of this iconic street.

‘Come to an event – see what we do and feel the warmth from our Sadler Gate community. We love this street. This is our motivation.’

To find out more about Love Sadler Gate, visit www.lovesadlergate.co.uk.