Vote for your favourite Cambridge Christmas shop window display

Choose from one of eight independents shortlisted by Cambridge BID - winner gets a cheque for charity.

It’s the time of year when independent traders put in a huge amount of time and effort to create fabulous festive window displays.

So the Cambridge Independent has teamed up with Cambridge Business Improvement District (BID) to celebrate their efforts with a Christmas window competition.

Judges visited the city’s shops and have drawn up a shortlist of eight - you can see them all below.

Now it’s over to you. To pick your favourite, simply visit Cambridge BID’s Facebook page and select your favourite by December 20. The winning business will be profiled in the Cambridge Independent and receive a £150 cheque for a charity of their choice from Cambridge BID.

The judges for the competition were William Barritt, marketing and projects executive at Cambridge BID, Elena Kheyvord, a City Ambassador, Sarah Lambley, the community fundraising manager for the NSPCC in Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Peterborough, and Cambridge blogger Rebecca Warboys.

Sarah said: “We are delighted to have been asked to take part in the judging panel. The Cambridge BID and its members have shown tremendous Christmas spirit by supporting this year’s NSPCC ‘Light Up Christmas’ campaign to help children and young people, with many retailers helping sell our ‘Little Star’ pin badges in their stores. These superb window displays really help show off the city at its best, bringing joy to all the community young and old!”

Here are the shortlisted businesses, which are pictured below:

Ark, Peas Hill

Ark prides itself on sourcing the best and most unusual products delivered with exceptional customer service.

Bread and Meat, Bene’t Street

Bread & Meat is passionate about serving honest, excellent food. The team want you to share their love of fine roast meat sandwiches alongside great coffee, carefully selected wine and craft beers.

Bridges, Bridge Street

Bridges has been in its fabulous Bridge Street location since 1996, serving fresh food and drink to the good people of Cambridge. Bridges is passionate about serving the freshest fare, whether it be croissants and pastries for breakfast, with aromatic Italian coffee, baguettes, soups and Chinese food for lunch or a cheeky low-sugar afternoon treat.

Burr Bridal, King Street

Burr Bridal is a beautiful bridal shop in the historic heart of Cambridge. The staff welcome people to view their stunning collections of wedding dresses sourced from all over the world from leading designers, and arguably among the best in Cambridge, Essex and Hertfordshire.

Cambridge Contemporary Crafts, Bene’t Street

Cambridge Contemporary Crafts was opened in 2009 on Bene’t Street.

It is a sister gallery to Cambridge Contemporary Art in Trinity Street.

Parade, King’s Parade

Parade is an independent gift shop located opposite King’s College.

It is the top choice for finding the best Cambridge gifts as well as soft, cuddly toys.

There is so much to discover in store and the friendly staff are happy to help you find the perfect gift for anyone.

Podarok, Bene’t Street

Podarok prides itself on being a truly independent store. With shops in Cambridge, Oxford and London, Podarok is fast becoming a one-stop shop for gifts that are unique and carefully crafted. Its aim is to provide gifts that are as much of a pleasure to give as they are to receive.

The Tailor’s Cat, Sussex Street

The Tailor’s Cat specialist bridal boutique was established in 1996.

Situated in the heart of Cambridge and home to more than 200 exquisite bridal gowns, it has something for everyone from vintage chic, traditional and contemporary to destination wedding dresses.

Time to vote

Pick your favourite and head over to Cambridge BID’s Facebook page to select your favourite by December 20.