The results of Newbury’s Christmas Window Trail Competition are finally in- albeit later than anticipated thanks to lockdown! Trail hosts Visit Newbury, Parkway Shopping, and Kennet Shopping were disappointed the ‘Stay at Home’ order meant public participation in the trail had to be cut short. However, they were still able to deliver a successful trail during early December, working closely with the Newbury Weekly News and local organisations to offer a range of prizes to winning participants.  

Thirty-five organisations across the town centre got involved with the festive fun, with participating windows stretching from the southern end of Bartholomew Street to Cheap Street, the Wharf, Northbrook Street, and beyond. A mixture of independent, national and public service businesses were keen get creative this Christmas, with the likes of West Berkshire Library, JoJo Maman Bebé and The Ugly Duckling showing their support for the local event. 

Newbury residents and local visitors to the town were asked to cast their vote on their favourite Christmas window, and Visit Newbury is delighted to reveal that Temptation Gifts has been awarded first place.  

Independently owned Temptation Gifts Ltd. was established in 1983 with the intention of selling unusual gifts at an affordable price, in a comfortable shopping environment. The Newbury store will receive a full-page advert in the Newbury Weekly News in-line with the store’s re-opening, alongside a blog post on the VisitNewbury.org.uk website and social media coverage.  

Dog-friendly pub, The Globe, secured second place after adorning the windows of their new, recently renovated Kennet Centre premises with beautifully festive decorations. In third place, one of Newbury’s longest-standing businesses, Barry Forkin-Toomers, claimed the title.  

Melissa Hughes, CEO of Newbury BID, the non-profit organisation behind the Visit Newbury brand, says: 

“We’re delighted to announce such deserving winners for our Christmas Window Trail Competition and are thrilled so many local businesses and residents were able to participate. 

We’re lucky to have established a strong partnership with Parkway Shopping and Kennet Shopping and we’re looking forward to jointly hosting many more community events in Newbury town centre once it is safe to do so.” 

Visit Newbury would like to thank all participating organisations for getting involved and give special thanks to the following businesses for providing prizes to trail winners: Vue Cinema, Nando’s, Jack Wills, The Entertainer, Crystalz and Rainbowz, The Works, and Sparkle.  Visit Newbury would also like to thank to Newbury Weekly News for their continued support.  

Stay up-to-date on Visit Newbury’s social media pages for any upcoming events in the name of supporting local @VisitNewbury.