Shops and businesses urged to get in festive spirit for Christmas window decoration competition in Boston

One of last year's winners receives their prize

Boston Council says this year’s contest will be bigger and better than ever, with more categories allowing more traders to enter.

There are categories for charity shops, small businesses with up to £15,000 rateable value, medium businesses with between £15,000 to £51,000 rateable value, large businesses with more than above £51,000 rateable value, and food outlets including restaurants,cafes,butchers and bakers.

Category winner’s win an engraved trophy for a year, £80 and a framed certificate, with framed certificates for second and third places as well.

A council spokesperson said displays will be judged on overall impression/visual impact, creativity/ideas, artistic merit, innovative use of materials and personal effort.

There will also be a competition for decorated market stalls on Wednesday, December 19, with the winner receiving attendance at two Boston markets for free.

There will be a one-off additional People’s Choice award this year, with members of the public being encouraged to upload pictures on Twitter or Instagram using #bostonukxmas as a hashtag, and the window with the most images uploaded by the deadline of December 16 will win.

To enter any of the categories, contact Pauline Chapman on 01205 314211 or email [email protected] confirming the name of your business, contact details and which category your shop is in.

The final date for entries will be Monday, November 26, and all displays should be in place for the Christmas event on Thursday, November 29, with judging taking place during week commencing December 3.

Last year’s new initiative, where 24 shops/businesses signed up to an online advent calendar was successful and so will be offered again this year. Each participant will be designated a day of the advent calendar between December 1 and 24 and on their allocated “advent day” will be able to promote their business, including details of any in-store offer, changes to opening times during the festive season, etc. The information will be posted on to all of the borough council’s social media platforms and publicised throughout the day.

To register your interest in the advent scheme please contact Pauline, confirming the name of your business, contact details and your preferred day of the advent calendar.

Should you be unsure of which category to enter please contact [email protected]

Boston Market on Wednesday, December 19, will enter into full festive mode with a best-decorated market stall competition.