The Christmas Window Display Competition is all set to start on what can only be described as a pretty unusual year

For last year's competition, I walked around all the shops and asked if they'd like to take part. This year that's quite difficult as many are shut thanks to Lockdown 2:0

So, things will be a different this year. Please bear with us

When will it start?

This year, the competition will start on Thursday 3rd December. (If you're a shop that would like to take part, but you've had to furlough your staff and so nothing's ready, please don't worry, drop me a line and you can join in when you're decs are good to go!)

How Will it Work?

Take a trip into Sudbury town centre and enjoy the 3 hours free parking.

Grab a voting slip from either the Suffolk Free Press, download one here or vote online here.

I will be getting posters to all businesses taking part, that will have snazzy QR code, so you can vote direct from your phone.

The business may even beable to provide you will a voting slip.

Fill in the details and return your slip to Sudbury Town Hall. There will be a box in reception. You have until 18th December

Much like Strictly Come Dancing (but without the dancing) as well as the public vote, 50% of total score will be made up from the judges vote. We shall then add the scores up and announce the winner

So how do I get involved?

Make sure you take a good walk around Sudbury and support all the local businesses. They've had a torrid year and need a bit of local love, so if you're able to go in and spend a few pounds as an alternative to an online retailer, that would be great

For everyone that votes, whether that's online, via the paper or by downloading a voting slip, you will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win a fabulous Christmas Hamper donated by Waitrose. We'll contact you after the competition closes 

If you're a business that would like to get involved, please let me know. It's free to join and a great way to make sure the community knows about your shop

The Facebook Group

If you're on Facebook, please join our Facebook Group Here. You'll beable to share photos of your shop window and if there's an interesting story behind your window design, you can tell people about it

I look forward to seeing the window displays, votes and lots of love for Buying Local