Congleton Town Centre has got a whole lot brighter in response to the town council’s eagerly anticipated Christmas Window Competition. Local businesses were invited to transform their shop windows into magical displays, competing for the coveted title of ‘Best Christmas Window Display.’
Rachel McCarthy, Congleton Town Council’s Town Centre and Events Officer said: “We’ve had a fantastic response this year, 20 participants unleashed their creativity and illuminated the Town Centre and High Town with enchanting winter wonderland scenes, many featuring hand painted displays, intricate decorations, shimmering lights and animations. The standard of entries just keeps getting higher with businesses putting in a significant amount of time and effort to create the beautiful displays for shoppers and visitors alike. The competition aims to not only spread joy and Christmas cheer but also to promote community engagement and support for our local independent traders during this special time of year.”
A panel of community representatives had the challenge of judging the entries to determine the overall winner. The windows were evaluated for impact, creativity, effort and appropriateness. With the scores meticulously tallied and verified, first place was revealed as Bare Health (High Street), with The Hair Project (Lawton Street) in second place and Vinny Brennan Hair Lounge (Pedestrian area) taking third place. The winners were presented with a certificate and a share of the cash prize.
Mel Ratcliffe owner of Bare Health said: “We are overjoyed to receive this award and to have our efforts recognised. With meticulous planning and a touch of magic, we’ve transformed the window into a festive scene complete with cascading snowflakes, twinkling lights and delicate decorations. We love joining in the town council’s competition along with all the other shops and sharing the magic of the season with the community.”
Congleton Town Mayor, Cllr Rob Moreton said: “Congratulations to all the participating businesses for contributing to the joyous atmosphere throughout the Town Centre and High Town. Christmas is the busiest time of year for retail, so for these businesses to take the time out of their manic schedules shows their commitment and dedication to the town. I would encourage residents and visitors to come into town to marvel at the wonderful displays and show their support to our local shops by enjoying what Congleton has to offer this Christmas.
In addition to the winners the judges awarded Highly Commended certificates to: 130 Atelier Bridal, Barley Hops, Bear Grills, Doll Face Make-Up Studio, High Town Post Office, Innovations Hairdressers, Reubens Bar & BBQ, Serenity Designs, Stephenson Browne Estate Agents, The Craft Room at Grace Brown Interiors, Timothy A Brown Estate Agents.
Commended certificates went to: Factory Bedrooms, Oxfam, Pupcups, Stonehammer Music, Three Way Travel, Whittaker & Biggs Estate Agents.
Special windows noted when out judging but that hadn’t entered the competition included: Chris Hamriding Estate Agents, Congleton Shoe Repairs, Davenports, Francesco, Gather, Milk and Rose, Mossley Hair Salon, Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe, Salon 6277.
There will be free car parking on Saturday 16 and 23 December. It will be free to park AFTER 10am in Princess Street car park (market), Back Street car park (behind Lawton Street) and Fairground car park. Giving shoppers longer time to stay and browse.
Sue Mosson & Mel Ratcliffe
Hayley Skipiol & Kelly Hurlstone
