Winners of Alnwick Christmas shop window competition announced

Over the last three years that Alnwick Civic Society has been running a Christmas shop window competition the judging has become harder and harder.
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Over the last three years that Alnwick Civic Society has been running a Christmas shop window competition, the judging has become harder and harder.

Not only are more and more shops dressing their windows, but the quality has progressed to intensively prepared and crafted scenarios with an engaging Christmas-themed story or eye-catching window tresses of colour-matched tree decorations.

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This year the pressure was on the judges again to agree on the two best Christmas windows among the wonderful range of varied creations

Members of Alnwick Civic Society presenting the wreath award to Emma Archbald and Cerys Williams of Elemental.Members of Alnwick Civic Society presenting the wreath award to Emma Archbald and Cerys Williams of Elemental.
Members of Alnwick Civic Society presenting the wreath award to Emma Archbald and Cerys Williams of Elemental.

The two retail premises finally chosen after a lengthy deliberation were Elemental, in Fenkle Street, and The Beehive, in Narrowgate.

Elemental, a winner in previous years, filled its long window space with a finely detailed representation of an authentic house interior dressed ready for Christmas with sparkling Christmas tree, festive table laid out for a hearty Christmas dinner and all warmed by a convincing fire and surround decorated with cards and stockings.

However, into this wholesome scene the designers had introduced an unexpected twist – a number of naughty (and a bit rude!) elves who are creating mayhem from end-to-end of the window.

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The final touch is a picture-framed sign which invites onlookers ‘How many naughty elves can you see?’

Samantha Horborough of The Beehive accepting the wreath award from David Lovie of Alnwick Civic Society.Samantha Horborough of The Beehive accepting the wreath award from David Lovie of Alnwick Civic Society.
Samantha Horborough of The Beehive accepting the wreath award from David Lovie of Alnwick Civic Society.

By comparison, the Beehive window is only a narrow slot onto the street.

But into this challenging space the designers have fitted a wild outdoor scene of snowy hills seen through tall winter trees, through the heart of which a golden-haired Snow Queen rides an exotically dressed swan.

To reinforce the whole effect, the cold winter landscape with royal occupant is cleverly extended into the internal showcase that lines the entrance into the shop itself.Judges also commended the colour matching of the window tresses of decorations at Emporium, on Narrowgate, and the silver landscape illuminated with sparkling electric blue lights at M.A. Tailoring, in Bow Alley.

Alnwick Civic Society wants to thank all the traders who took part.

It also welcomes the extra nativities of all kinds which Christians Together in Alnwick have been encouraging and supplying.