The votes are in and the winners announced for this year’s ‘Christmas Magic Displays Competition’, organised by Horsham District Council. The competition was part of the Council’s ‘Buy Local Gift Happy’ campaign to support local businesses and high streets this festive season.
Over 80 businesses and charities from across Horsham District’s high streets got into the festive spirit, sharing photos of their Christmassy windows, market stalls and displays so they could take part in the competition.
The public were invited to celebrate their favourite displays by voting via an online gallery webpage or instore visits, with the chance to win fantastic prizes. Over 1,600 shoppers from across the District and beyond placed their vote. The vote determined three Public’s Choice winners, which were:
- Public’s Choice Window Display
Carmela Deli in Horsham
- Public’s Choice Internal Display
Truffles in Billingshurst
- Public’s Choice Charity Display
Love It Again in Horsham
This year the Council also collaborated with a range of media partners to boost the 'Buy Local Gift Happy' message and promote all of those participating in the Christmas Magic Displays Competition. Each media partner has awarded their favourite displays, supported by their readership or audience, which were:
- All About Horsham Readers’ Favourite Display
Stitch in Storrington
- Uniquely Sussex Display (in partnership with Experience Sussex)
Amici Coffee Co. in Horsham
- Henfield BN5 Favourite Display
Jasmines Florist in Henfield
- Sussex Exclusive Readers’ Favourite Display
Tottington Manor in Henfield
- Sussex Living Readers’ Favourite Display
The Pulbrew in Pulborough
- Visit Horsham Favourite Display
Carmela Deli in Horsham
- West Sussex County Times Readers’ Favourite Display
Truffles in Billingshurst
- Your Horsham Top 3 Favourite Displays
- Carmela Deli in Horsham
- Amici Coffee Co. in Horsham
- WolfPack in Horsham
All winners received a framed certificate to mark their success and will benefit from additional publicity in the lead up to Christmas, showcasing their wonderful displays. Some media partners have also offered their own prize. Certificates were presented by the Council's Chairman Cllr Nigel Emery.
Commenting on the competition, Horsham District Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Property Cllr Joanne Knowles said:
Many congratulations to all the traders who took part in our competition this year. We received a bumper number of fantastic entries from all over the District and I am pleased there has been such amazing support from the public who voted for their favourite displays in what proved to be a tough competition.
Our local businesses and community really do make our towns and villages magical places to be over the festive period. I hope this inspires many of you to ‘buy local gift happy’ and keep the Horsham District economy busy at this important trading time.
Love It Again - Horsham Matters - Public's Choice Best Charity Display
Truffles bakery in Billingshurst - Public's Choice Best Internal Display
Stitch of Storrington
The Pulbrew Pulborough
Jasmines Henfield
Amici Coffee Company
Tottington Manor Henfield