Chester’s most ‘festive’ windows announced

The team at Chester BID has announced the winners of their annual festive window competition - bringing Christmas cheer to the city.

This year saw a record number of almost 100 businesses take part battling it out to create the most creative displays in the run-up to Christmas.

The creativity of entries was extremely high this year with high street businesses using items contributed by their customers, creating interactive displays to highlight their business ethos and even creating unique photo opportunities. The competition has historically included 3 main categoriesand new for 2021 is the addition of a fourth category to include Chester Market traders.  

The winners were determined by the public with over 1,600 votes cast across Chester BID social media channels.

Retail: Independent

1. GOLD - The Scented Garden Retreat
2. SILVER - Weasel & The Bug
3. BRONZE - Bloom & Albion

Retail: National Brand

1. GOLD – Fat Face
2. SILVER – Pour Moi
3. BRONZE - Penhaligon’s

Hospitality

1. GOLD – Popcorn
2. SILVER – Beer Heroes
3. BRONZE – Pied Bull

Best Chester Market Stall

1. GOLD - Guroma
2. SILVER - Crustum
3. BRONZE - Hannah’s Heaven

Laura Heywood, owner of The Scented Garden Retreat said: ‘I am over the moon that my business has received this award. We have taken such pride in putting this display together and it has been wonderful to receive such heart-warming comments. Thank you, Chester BID, for organising such a community led competition and well done to everyone who has taken part.’

Brothers and joint owners of Guroma, Shaf and Saif have been overwhelmed by the positive support from their customers: ‘Thank you so much for voting for us! This is our first time winning anything as we couldn’t have done it without the continued support from our family, friends, customers, and the team at Chester Market’.

Chester Market has been great location for us to start our business and share our family recipes in this festive and friendly city. We are truly overwhelmed by the positive support from our customers, and we would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas.’

Chester BID awarded ‘Special Recognition’ to the team at Just Footprints who created an interactive window display, hiding the eco products in a hand drawn wreath.

Debbie Groom, owner of Just Footprints said: ‘We wanted to go with a more simple, interactive display. Although all the staff will tell you the drawing was definitely not as ‘simple’ as we thought! Chester has embraced sustainable products and we were keen to continue to highlight how you can celebrate Christmas in a fun and eco-friendly way.’

Emily Ghazarian, from Chester BID said: ‘After a challenging 2021, Chester businesses have outdone themselves! Their effort and creativity has gone a long way to warm the hearts of shoppers this Christmas!’

Pictured - The Scented Garden Retreat.