Traders in Magherafelt were recently invited to get creative for Christmas and take part in a decorated shop window and display competition. Some friendly rivalry was generated amongst the retailers of Magherafelt and a fantastic 30 stores in the town competed to give their shop windows and displays the ‘festive treatment’.

The competition was launched on 30th November by Magherafelt Chamber of Commerce and Magherafelt District Council, whose aim was to bring that special Christmas buzz to the town centre this festive season. They have certainly succeeded and judging the competition was very difficult indeed due to the high standards.

The task of judging the competition fell to Magherafelt District Chairperson, Paul McLean. “I was very encouraged by the great number of applications, whilst in all of these events and competitions, there always has to be a winner, I firmly believe that there are no losers. This type of event raises the bar and creates an interest within the Business sector and also gives an added buzz to the shoppers and brightens up the town during the festive season”

After great deliberation the following winners were chosen:

  • 1st Prize – CHARIS – this window met all expectations. Winter / Christmas scene with polar bears, snowy logs with robins, Santa’s sleigh, Christmas decor, painted windows panes again showing winter / Christmas scenes. Overall, a very impressive window dressing.
  • 2nd Prize – House Of Flowers – winter / Christmas scene – Reindeers, snowy trees & snowy logs, Christmas arch well integrated into products etc – very impressive.
  • 3rd Prize – Sportique – winter / Christmas scene – very creative in the idea of integrating a winter snow shelter into the sports wear. Christmas decor also integrated – Very simple but very effective window dressing.

A special mention also went to Burns & Co. who had a very creative festive video on display which is worth a watch! The display also involved the children of the staff who displayed their very colourful Christmas pictures.

Magherafelt Chamber of Commerce and Magherafelt District Council would like to take this opportunity to thank all the participating stores in the town and to congratulate each store on making such an effort to compete and to bring the festive buzz to Magherafelt Shoppers this Christmas.