The annual Newport Chamber of Commerce Christmas Window competition has once again showcased the town's creativity and festive spirit.
The competition was fierce, with many businesses going the extra mile to decorate their windows with stunning Christmas themes. The judges were impressed by the variety of creative approaches, from traditional to contemporary.
Judging took place in Friday 13th December where Karen Woodcock from All About Newport and Chair of Newport Chamber of Commerce was joined by four impartial judges – Otis Powell - Membership Manager - Shropshire Chamber of Commerce, Jenny Osbourne - Vice Chair Shrewsbury Business Chamber, Lajina Leal - Lajina Masala & The Curry Club and Rob Fieldhouse - independent Shrewsbury resident.
With a warm welcome to the judges from Karen and a walk up and down the High Street, St Mary’s Street, the Indoor Market and all the off High Street roads, the judges meticulously assessed the festive displays, before deliberating over a coffee at The Barley on the High Street.
There are six categories of which the following were deemed the winner of their specific category:
The best window belonging to a business with a membership of the town’s Chamber of Commerce was judged to be Henshalls Insurance on the High Street - judges comments, they liked the involvement of the community from local schoolchildren which embodied the spirit of Christmas. Duignan Phelps were highly commended for their festive scene and creativity.
A category of Non Retail window, the winner is Roberts Nicholas Financial, The handmade nature of the Village theme really impressed the judges, closely followed by Clarke’s Solicitors, who were highly commended.
The Eva Allen Newport Town Council non-Chamber Christmas window award, the Winner is Mane Hair Salon. Displayed across three windows the judges thought it told a story and wasn’t over complicated, while embracing all that is Christmas.
Best dressed market stall at the Indoor Market was unanimous with The Heartful Home taking the trophy, judges thought the creativity and handmade nature of the display made the stall look pretty and festive.
Oxfam Newport in the High Street was voted best charity shop - judges comments, they had made best use of the stock and products they had to give a festive Christmas feel, with Katherine’s House being highly commended.
Following further deliberation the Kath Crewe award for overall winner for best dressed Christmas window 2024 is Brockton Care. The judges were impressed with the extensive visual creativity, the detail of the village how every element had been thought through in the display.
All four judges were impressed that so many businesses took part and put so much effort into their displays, they were amazed by the standard throughout.
Karen Woodcock Chair of Newport Chamber of Commerce added: "All the window displays were amazing. The effort the businesses had gone to, after another uncertain year, was inspiring. Congratulations to all the winners. I also believe we have an extra four people that will visit our wonderful town more often now.”
"You all make Newport the wonderful town we all know and love. I would like to express my sincere thanks to you all. Thank you".
