Congleton shops and businesses are helping to spread some festive cheer and getting shoppers and visitors to the town into the festive mood. 24 shops entered a window competition run by the Town Council for the best window display.
The standard of entries was exceptionally high this year. The judges were unable to choose between the two best displays so after much deliberation joint first place was awarded to Cancer Research, Bridge Street and Grace Brown Interiors, West Street. Second place went to Stephenson Browne and Oxfam and Salon 6277 were joint third winners. Rachel McCarthy, Town Centre & Events Officer presented the winners with a certificate and a share of the £75 cash prize fund.
The judges declared Cancer Research joint first for its forest winter woodland theme complete with Christmas trees, snowflakes and a cute reindeer. Grace Brown Interiors tied in equal first place with Rudolph pulling Santa’s sleigh.
Sarah Barrell, Training Shop Manager at Cancer Research said: “We are delighted and honoured to be among the winners for the second year running. We take great pride in entering the councils’ competition. What makes it all worthwhile is the amount of people who stop and look at the display. All the shops have made a real effort to bring a smile to peoples faces when we all need it most.”
Congleton Town Mayor, Cllr Margaret Gartside said: “We would like to thank all 24 traders that entered the competition. I’m absolutely amazed by all the hard work that has gone into decorating the beautiful windows throughout the town centre and High Town. Christmas is the busiest time of year for retail, so for businesses to take the time out of their hectic schedules to create these festive displays shows their commitment and dedication to the town. The windows were judged for impact, creativity, effort and appropriateness by three independent judges and the scores tallied to find the winners.”
In addition to the five winners the judges awarded Highly Commended to Chris Hamriding, Ye Olde White Lion, Innovations Hairdressers and High Town Post Office.
Commended certificates went to: Atelier Bridal, Bluey’s Bar, Butters John Bee, Congleton Information Centre, Curtains By Design, Delia Metcalf, Hair Lounge, HJ Lea Oakes, House to Home, Isabel’s Fashion House, Mossley Hair Salon, Mr Simms, Stonehammer Music, Sully’s Spa, The Hair Project. Special windows noted when out judging but that hadn’t entered the competition included Serenity and Barley Hops.
The shop windows, along with the little trees above the shops and the Christmas lights really make the town feel very festive. If you’ve not been into Congleton for a while come in and take a look for yourself. Share your favourite windows on social media using hashtag #congletonlocal
More window pictures will be added shortly.
