Annual search for Causeway Coast and Glens best Christmas window display gets underway

Thu, November 21, 2024

The countdown to Christmas has officially commenced as Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council announces the return of its popular festive window competition.

The annual contest is an opportunity for business owners across towns and villages in the Borough to celebrate the season while using their creative flair to add to the festive feel and welcome both locals and visitors can expect for their Christmas shopping.

The standard of displays has soared in recent years, making the judges job very difficult indeed. The competition to find the best festive display officially launches today, Thursday, 21 November and the judges are looking forward to seeing our town centres looking more festive than ever this year.

In keeping with last year the winners from Ballycastle, Ballymoney, Coleraine and Limavady will be selected and will receive their award on the evening of the Christmas Light Switch On in their town.

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Ciarán McQuillan, said: "I am always impressed by the work our local businesses do to make our towns and villages festive for shoppers.

"It's fantastic to see our local businesses going above and beyond each year to provide a wonderful shopping experience for customers, and I would encourage to shop local this Christmas and support our hard-working business community.

"I know this year that our town and village team has once again selected a local artisan maker to create the award, and winners can look forward to receiving their prize created by Portstewart based ceramicist Fiona Shannon. I am genuinely looking forward to seeing the various displays and wish everyone the very best of luck."

Businesses do not need to formally enter the competition. Anyone with a shop window, large or small, in any of the named towns and villages, can take part in the competition. All you need to do is have your window dressed in a festive theme by the dates outlined below.

Businesses in Ballymoney, Limavady, Ballycastle and Coleraine who would like to take part have already been notified and must have their windows completed by the Christmas light switch on dates in their respective towns.

• Ballymoney - Thursday, 21 November
• Limavady - Saturday, 23 November
• Ballycastle - Thursday, 28 November
• Coleraine - Friday, 29 November

The judging for the other towns and villages will take place from Monday 2 December, with winners being announced week commencing Monday 7 December 2024.

Before dressing their windows, participating businesses are asked to consider the following judging criteria:

• Originality / creativity
• Visual impact
• Festivity
• Product placement

One winner will be selected from the following towns: Ballycastle, Ballykelly, Ballymoney, Bushmills, Coleraine, Cushendall, Dungiven, Garvagh, Kilrea, Limavady, Portrush and Portstewart.

There will also be one winner selected from the artisan traders at the Causeway Speciality Market for the best dressed stall. The Causeway Speciality Market will be in Coleraine town centre on Saturday 07 and 14 December. The winner of the best dressed stall will be announced on 07 December.

In recognition of their creative efforts the winners will each receive a bespoke trophy, designed and produced by Fiona Shannon Ceramics.

Fiona Shannon is a Causeway Coast and Glens local artist and producer specialising in ceramics. Fiona has a studio in Portstewart and has exhibited in a number of galleries throughout Ireland including the National Craft Gallery Kilkenny, The Cowshed Gallery Phoenix Park Dublin, The Blue Egg Gallery Wexford and exhibited internationally at the International Ceramics Expo, Liling, China.

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