Businesses in Coalville have been getting in the festive mood by creating window displays for North West Leicestershire District Council's (NWLDC) Best Dressed Window competition - which has seen YMCA win Chairman's Choice 2024 for a second year in a row.

The displays were judged by NWLDC Chairman Councillor Kenny Horn, who presented the coveted Chairman's Choice trophy to the YMCA shop in the Belvoir Shopping Centre.

Both Nellie's café on Hotel Street and Kool Guys in Newmarket, Marlborough Square, received highly commended awards for their displays and were awarded a certificate and banner by the Chairman.

A public vote also took place crowning Recycle (formally The Attic) on Belvoir Road as the winner with Char Aesthetics on High Street and Forces Support charity shop in the Belvoir Centre both receiving highly commended as runners up.

This year, Recycle went with a traditional festive window that included the Nativity.

Cllr Horn said: "The festive window displays across Coalville have been exceptional this year, showcasing incredible creativity and community spirit.

"Congratulations to YMCA for winning my Chairman's Choice for a second year in a row — a well-deserved recognition for their outstanding efforts.

"A big thank you to all the businesses that participated, you have all made Coalville shine brighter than ever this Christmas.

"Wishing everyone a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!"

 Voters' comments:

Recycle the Attic – "A lot of thought and effort put in to make it a lovely Christmas display."

Char Aesthetics – "Very simple but such an impact. New and old and looks lovely driving into Coalville from High Street way."

Forces Support Charity Shop – "It's the best window with handmade props, looks like a lot of hard work has gone into it."

Coalville illuminations

New for this year, people were able to vote for their favourite window that best illuminates the evening Coalville streets.

Summerlillys on Ashby Road received the most public votes and is the winner of the Coalville Illuminations award 2024 with their Festive North Pole display. YMCA and Elizabeth Grace on Belvoir Road both received highly commended as runners up.

Voters' comments:

Summerlillys – "Incredibly festive and beautiful and uplifting."

Elizabeth Grace – "The whole window is beautiful and very creative. The reindeer and background lit up with the stars so it twinkles at night then draws your attention to the Christmas trees behind. It really is festive and brings cheer as you walk past the shop. Each time you look, you see another little detail you may have missed before."

YMCA – "It's so different; sparkly and fun!"

Where's the elf?

To encourage people to explore the town centre, cheeky elves were placed in various shop displays around the town in this year's where's the elf competition.

People have been searching for them and entering our competition in their hopes to win local shopping vouchers.

The winners have been chosen at random and have been contacted directly to arrange delivery.

Lead volunteer at Recycle, Pat Hopkins said: "Thank you to everyone who voted and merry Christmas to you all."

Assistant Manager of Coalville's YMCA branch, Jackie Hewett said: "Thank you to all the customers for voting and we couldn't have done it without your support. Merry Christmas and happy New Year!"