In pictures: Magherafelt’s best dressed shop windows

Traders in the town were recently invited to get creative for Christmas and take part in a decorated shop window and display competition.

Some friendly rivalry was generated amongst the retailers of Magherafelt and a fantastic 20 stores in the town competed to give their shop windows and displays the ‘festive treatment’.

The competition was launched on 29th Magherafelt District Council, whose aim was to bring that special Christmas buzz to the town centre this festive season.

They have certainly succeeded and judging the competition was very difficult indeed due to the high standards.

The task of judging the competition fell to Sinead McGurk of McGurk Opticians and Mrs Diamond who were very encouraged by the great number of applications which gave an added buzz and brightened up the town during the festive season.

After great deliberation the following winners were chosen:

First Place– O’Brien’s Pharmacy – “This window was described as ‘outstanding’ with it’s fabulous double-fronted display.

“It was a ‘retro’ themed display which was both well thought out and eye-catching. It really makes passers-by stop and have a good look.

Second Place – Compassion Ministries – “Clearly a lot of effort was put into this ‘Christmas dinner’ themed display with innovative ‘Jenga’ styled homemade Christmas tree.”

Third Place: “House of Flowers - “Another fabulous double-fronted display with an igloo, snowman and bears on one side and Santa and Christmas decorations on the other window. Very colourful and attractive”

Magherafelt Chamber of Commerce and Magherafelt District Council would like to take this opportunity to thank all the participating stores in the town and to congratulate each store on making such an effort to compete and to bring the festive buzz to Magherafelt Shoppers agian this Christmas.