The winners of this year’s Harrogate Christmas Shop Window Competition have been revealed, with very high standards set following a record number of entries.
The annual festive awards, again organised by The Rotary Club of Harrogate and sponsored by Harrogate BID, saw The Yorkshire Soap Company take home the overall crown.
Held at The Crown Hotel and attended by scores of local business owners and representatives, the ceremony was hosted by Nick Hancock from Your Harrogate, with winners and runners up certificates presented by Clare Granger, The Sheriff of North Yorkshire along with the President of the Rotary Club of Harrogate, Mervyn Darby and the Chair of the Harrogate BID, Dan Siddle.
The Yorkshire Soap Company in James Street came out as the overall winner, as well as winner in the medium shop category, beating stiff opposition from other victors including Sophie Likes, which won the Small Shop category, and Bettys in Parliament Street, which claimed the Large Shop category title.
Graham Saunders, who organised the judging on behalf of The Rotary Club, said: “It was our pleasure once again organise the annual Christmas Shop Window Competition, which this year saw a bumper number of entries.
“The standard this year was very high, which made the judging of the three categories very difficult, and the results were very close.
“The judges could see the incredible effort those who entered the competition put into their displays, and I’m sure the public also appreciate the work done by business owners to help Harrogate looks its very best for the festive season.
“I’d like to thank all those who entered for their superb efforts, as well as Harrogate BID for their continued support of the competition.”
Harrogate BID Manager, Matthew Chapman, said: “Since it featured on the Channel 5 documentary ‘Harrogate: A Yorkshire Christmas’ the shop window competition has continued to thrive, and it’s the businesses who take part that we have to thank for its ongoing success.
“The town centre shops, cafes and hotels have been beautifully presented this year, with the competition giving an incentive for business to go all-out.
“I’d like to thank the Rotary Club of Harrogate for once again organising the judging of this annual event, and the participating businesses whose combined efforts have made Harrogate look fantastic for not only the festive season but the 2023 Britain in Bloom entry and Coronation celebration.”