Homes and businesses in Swanage are being urged by the local chamber of trade to enter into the festive spirit by decorating their houses, flats and windows for Christmas.
The annual competition, which has grown in popularity over the years, is once again aiming to recognise the amazing efforts that residents and businesses put into their festive lights and ornaments.
Estate agents Miles and Son at the top of Station Road in Swanage has been a winner in past years
Recognise the amazing efforts of residents and businesses
This year, all shops and businesses in the town, not just chamber members, will be automatically considered for the competition, so no formal entry is required. There will be a small token prize.
However for private homes, in a change to the rules, householders and neighbours (with permission from the householder) are being invited to send in photos of their homes or properties in their road to the Swanage Chamber of Trade.
A selection of the best entries will be put on the Chamber of Trade website in the run up to Christmas, with the top entries published on the Swanage.News website on Christmas Day 2023.
Curiosity shop on the High Street is always a top contender
FiFi’s shop on Institute Road gets into the festive spirit
“Cheer everyone up and make them smile”
Anne Rothery from Swanage Chamber of Trade said:
“What we’re looking for are decorations that cheer everyone up and make them smile. It can be quite grey at this time of year, so something nice and cheerful helps spread a bit of happiness and makes our town just that little bit more special.
“We know many people make a real effort and the judges will take into account the amount of time that has gone into the displays. The decorations needn’t be expensive, as handmade designs will be particularly appreciated for the amount of work that it has taken to produce them.
“While there is a small prize for the best festive displays by a business, it’s really all about the kudos of having a lovely window or decorated home!”
Window displays of businesses will be judged in the week before Christmas, while photos of homes along with the name of the road, must be sent to Swanage Chamber of Trade via email to swanagechamber@gmail.com by Saturday 16th December 2023.
The White Horse pub dazzles on the lower High Street
Raspberry Rose shop on Institute Road is dreaming of a white Christmas!
Further information
- Anyone sending in a photo should know that the image will be shared on the internet and social media, including the name of their road (although not the exact address).
- All photos of homes should be landscape shaped so they are easier to display on a website and must not include any images of children.
- Please email all photos of decorated homes to swanagechamber@gmail.com
- The best images will be displayed on the Swanage Chamber of Trade website and published on Swanage.News at Christmas!
The Mowlem on Shore Road glitters at night
A traditional Christmas at Lewis-Manning Hospice Care shop on Station Road
