BUSINESSES and retailers are celebrating the Northwich In Bloom entry with colourful floral-themed window displays in many of the shops throughout the town.

Throughout July and August, businesses were challenged to decorate their windows under the theme of 'flowers and nature' which have helped the town to blossom as visitors flock back to the high street.

The window competition has helped to promote the towns third entry to North West in Bloom, a regional competition by the Royal Horticultural Society that encourages local communities to improve their surroundings through imaginative use of trees, shrubs, flowers and landscaping.

The competition runs alongside further celebrations including the town's Flower Trail, an interactive tour of over 20 British wildflowers across Barons Quay, Whitton Street, Market Street and the High Street.

 

Northwich Guardian:

Radio Northwich provided the winning entry this year

This year Radio Northwich were awarded first prize for their stylish and colourful window display, featuring a mannequin sat at a piano adorned with bouquets of flowers.

Judges from Northwich Business Improvement District (BID) were impressed with their unique blend of musical and floral themes that captured the vibrant personality of the radio station.

Northwich library were awarded second place for their impressive display with Weigh of the World and Sarah's Wedding Boutique receiving joint third with their equally stunning botanical tributes. The judges also gave special recognition to The Witton Chimes for their fantastic hanging baskets that helped to spruce up the town.

Previous years have seen Crafty Stitches, Bella Boutique and The Salty Dog take prizes for their creative displays.

Northwich Guardian: Crafty Stitches has a floral archway

The floral archway at Crafty Stitches

Co-owner and presenter of Radio Northwich, Kim Smith, was grateful for taking the prize home, saying, "We are overjoyed to be winners of the Northwich in Bloom window competition and we want to thank our wonderful Sheila Cooksley who is one of the team and a very creative lady.

"She created the stunning window display and we know lots of people enjoyed seeing it as they stopped and took photos."

Northwich BID Manager and window display judge Adam Gerrard, said of the competition, "It was wonderful to see so many businesses participate with their imaginative and colourful displays.

"All of the businesses captured their unique personalities magnificently and it's really a testament to the creative spirit of our local community."

The results of the town's entry to North West In Bloom will be announced in the coming weeks - in previous years Northwich has been awarded a Silver Gilt but is aiming for Gold this year.