Bury St Edmunds business Hayward Moon takes crown in best-dressed festive window competition
A legal firm in a Suffolk town centre won the public's hearts as it scooped the crown for the best-dressed festive window for the first time.
Hayward Moon, in Whiting Street, Bury St Edmunds, secured the lead for its display of a 3D advent calendar, created with help from a school.
They beat last year's winners Loft & Spires, which came in second place, to be awarded the coveted shield by Our Bury St Edmunds.
The display, which was made by children at St Edmunds RC Primary School, featured hand-made felt gifts behind each door.
Mike Kirkham, from Our Bury St Edmunds, said the mix of tradition and mystery with the design, as well as the community aspect, could be a big winner with local people.
He added: "All the businesses that get involved put a lot of time and energy into their displays and there is a great variety.
"Each has its own interpretation, and they do it because they take pride in the town centre and want to see it flourish."
Voting was via the LoyalFree app for the third year in a row.
Over 200 people voted in the competition.
Hayward Moon revealed it was 'on cloud nine' when it was told it won.
Jane Voce-Long, from the firm, noted it was a great feeling when the legal firm secured third place last year – but she's 'blown away' with 2022's performance.
She said: "Bringing people together is what Christmas is all about and we're thrilled to have been given the opportunity to get local kids involved.
"We always involve local schools in our displays in some way, and this allowed us to give them the chance to do something they may not be able to under current circumstances.
"I think children are often overlooked. Not all are academic, and projects such as this allow for expression through other forms, such as arts and crafts."
Hayward Moon has entered the competition three times.
It didn't make the top-three for its 2019 display of stars and snowflakes, but its 2021 entrance – featuring Christmas trees – secured them the bronze medal.
Jane contacted the school in early October, with the advent calendar being fitted in late November, taking several days.
It has a good relationship with the Catholic school, and will be donating books to it, so it can sell them at its Christmas fayre.
Jane added: "Each year, we try to do something different. I love Christmas, so I'm always trying to get others in the mood, and I think this is great way to do so.
"We've had some lovely comments on our display and I'm chuffed lots of people decided to vote for us.
"Getting the displays done can be very stressful and takes a lot of effort, and it's great to see everyone's work appreciated."