BUSINESSES around Andover are being encouraged to get into the festive spirit as the annual best-dressed Christmas Window Competition returns.

Andover BID, through InAndover, has launched the popular window display event which will see companies around the town participating by creatively decorating their window with attractive Christmas themes.

This year's criteria and target for businesses will be measured on quality, visual appearance, and effort.

Each year, judging becomes increasingly more difficult, and for 2022, not only will the Andover BID have a physical judging panel drawn from the BID, Test Valley Borough Council and Andover Town Council, but also an opportunity for members of the public to vote via the In Andover website.

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In addition, a festive voting box will be placed in the town for those wishing to submit a paper vote.

Physical judging will occur on December 19, with online judging taking place from the 1st – 20th of December.

Online voting will close at 11.59 pm on December 20, and the winning business will be notified on December 22.

Businesses will shortly be contacted by the Andover BID and encouraged to enter by sending a photograph of their dressed window to info@andoverbid.org.uk

The winning business will be presented with a prize, and £150 to be donated to a local charity.