Celebrating the return of Race Week and horseracing fans from around the world galloping into Gloucestershire for the Cheltenham Festival, local businesses have been decorating their windows and exteriors for The Festival Shop Window competition – with SoGlos and Cheltenham Racecourse revealing this year’s colourful winners.
Launched to mark the four days of extraordinary racing, 28 businesses and organisations took part in the excitement in 2023 – with the first prize winner and two runners-up entries handpicked by a team of judges from SoGlos and Cheltenham Racecourse.
There are some stunning windows on display around Cheltenham town centre, The Promenade, The Suffolks and Montpellier from the biggest High Street retailers to incredible independents, with the effort on display proving truly impressive. It was a particularly tough decision this year, but after much deliberation, the judges decided on...
The Festival Shop Window competition 2023 winner
With an eye-catching design featuring a rainbow of silks for its jockey-themed window, the judges unanimously agreed that Beatrice Von Tresckow Designs in Montpellier is this year's Festival Shop Window competition winner.
Winning a grand prize of £2,000 in cash from Cheltenham Racecourse AND an advertising campaign worth £1,000 from SoGlos, the stylish boutique was furlongs ahead of the competition.
The Festival Shop Window competition 2023 runners-up
With two runner-up prizes available, the judges were glad not to have to choose between these two entries!
We loved Jackeroo Boutique's fantastic foliage, with a racehorse made entirely from greenery adorning its window, with a selection of stylish Race Week attire inside.
The other runner-up prize goes to sweet spot Sisu Pancakes for its Gold Cup-worthy window.
Both businesses get a £500 prize from Cheltenham Racecourse.
The Festival Shop Window competition 2023 highly commended
Just pipped to the post for a prize, the judges loved the effort Cheltenham's ATC Flooring put into its glorious green St Patrick's Day-themed window, with its entry coming highly commended.
The Festival Shop Window competition 2023 fabulous entries
While there can only be one winner, we wanted to show off all of the fantastic Festival Shop Windows to say a big thank you to all the businesses that have taken the time to enter.
Last year's reigning champion, Home & Botanic, brings back its lucky green ribbon for Race Week 2023.
John Lewis and Partners in Cheltenham is hoping to get lucky with its giant golden horseshoe.
Quirky gift shop Jelly Armchair is famous for its puns and this year's Festival Shop Window entry is just hay-larious!
Popular dog shop Be More Bob overcame all the hurdles to pull off this fabulous display.
This Festival Shop Window entry from Little Interior Co. is a family affair, with the owner bringing in her sister to create the gorgeous illustrations on the windows.
We're loving these giant horses in the window at Nolte Kitchens.
Waffle on London Road has last year's Gold Cup winner Rachael Blackmore adorning its shop window.
Berrey's Pick and Mix on Cheltenham High Street showcases adorable artwork from the local community.
Cake Alchemist on Regent Street has a stylish take on the racing theme.
Nicholas White Hair is ready for the mane event with its entry.
Popular Wetherspoons pub, The Moon Under Water is getting into the festival spirit with these fun illustrations on its windows.
Charity shops in Cheltenham and Tewkesbury have gone all out for this year's competition, with LINC Charity shop featuring a 'tied neck and neck' theme for its Festival Shop Window.
Ellis and Killpartrick eyewear store embraces the equestrian theme with aplomb.
Tivoli Chiropractic are backing (see what we did there?!) a winner.
A Plan Insurance is joining in the fun with its colourful posters.
Bringing the celebrations to Broadway, The Stratford Gallery has put its best hoof forward.
And last but certainly not least, SoGlos’s own balcony display, which we (of course!) did to join in with the fun, rather than win a prize!
