Dorchester Shopfront of the Season Awards – Winter 2025

Dorchester Town Council and Dorchester BID are delighted to announce the winner of the Dorchester Shopfront of the Season Award – Winter 2025, celebrating creativity, inclusivity and community spirit across the town centre.

This winter’s winning display was created by Creative Image Studios on Antelope Walk, whose festive shopfront stood out not only for its colour and warmth, but for the powerful story behind it.

A Community Effort that Truly Shone

Tyra Goosen, owner of Creative Image Studios, shared what the award means to them:

“This award means so much to us because it truly belongs to our students. Every single element in the window was made by them, with everyone contributing in their own way – painting, decorating, and generously donating lights and baubles.

We’re going to put the prize towards upgrading our studio heating and lighting, helping us keep the space warm, welcoming and accessible for everyone who comes through our doors. What emerged was something far more meaningful than a display: a shared creative effort that brought people together and reflected the care our community has for this historic town. We’re incredibly proud of our students and deeply thankful to Dorchester Town Council and Dorchester BID for recognising the inclusivity and community spirit behind it.”

Judging the Winter Shop Displays

The judging panel included Cllr Les Fry, Chair of the Town Centre Action Group, and Neil Strudwick, Chairman of Dorchester BID, joined by guest judge Sharon Page, owner of Serenity Nails & Beauty and winner of the Autumn Shopfront of the Season Awards.

Sharon commented:

“The standard of festive displays this year has been exceptional. Each business frontage shows real imagination and hard work. Everyone should be extremely proud.”
Judges visited the businesses that received the highest number of public nominations. This winter, 284 nominations were received across 29 town centre businesses, demonstrating just how much local people value the effort put into Dorchester’s high street.

Winter 2025 Finalists

The finalists visited by the judges were:

• Creative Image Studios, Antelope Walk – 67 nominations
  “It’s such a lovely idea to showcase artwork created by the studio’s patrons. The display is bright, inviting and vibrant, and wonderfully inclusive, reflecting a range of abilities.”
• Tom Brown’s Pub, High East Street – 39 nominations
  “A beautiful hand-drawn depiction of Dorchester, showing clear time, care and dedication.”
• Sage & Fern Florist, Antelope Walk – 21 nominations
  “The window displays always catch the eye, with natural floral arrangements that sensitively reflect the season.”
• Mutt Everything Dog, Brewery Square – 20 nominations
  “A welcoming and thoughtful space for dog owners, especially appreciated on cold, wet days. The attention to detail creates a real sense of community.”
• Head 2 Head Hair Design, Trinity Street – 19 nominations
  “The window is consistently attractive throughout the year, and the salon is always clean, bright and welcoming.”
• Temple Hill Property Management, High West Street – 19 nominations
  “A well-deserved nomination for a helpful local business, with great effort put into their festive display.”

Could You Be Next?

The Shopfront of the Season Awards continue to highlight the creativity, pride and community spirit that make Dorchester such a special place to shop, work and visit.

Next time, it could be you — as a finalist, or even the winner.
Nominations for the Spring edition will open soon, and we’ll be sharing full details very shortly.

FAQs: Dorchester Shopfront of the Season Awards – Winter 2025

What are the Dorchester Shopfront of the Season Awards?
The Shopfront of the Season Awards recognise Dorchester town centre businesses that create outstanding, seasonal shopfront displays which enhance the high street and community experience.

Who won the Winter 2025 Shopfront of the Season Award?
Creative Image Studios, located on Antelope Walk in Dorchester, won the Winter 2025 award.

Why did Creative Image Studios win the award?
The winning display was entirely created by the studio’s students, showcasing inclusivity, creativity and community spirit through a collaborative festive window display.

Who judges the Shopfront of the Season Awards?
The judging panel included Dorchester Town Council and Dorchester BID representatives, joined by a guest judge — this season, Sharon Page of Serenity Nails & Beauty.

How are finalists selected for the awards?
Finalists are chosen based on public nominations. Businesses receiving the highest number of nominations are then visited by the judges.

How many nominations were received for Winter 2025?
A total of 284 public nominations were submitted, covering 29 town centre businesses.

Which businesses were finalists in Winter 2025?
Finalists included Creative Image Studios, Tom Brown’s Pub, Sage & Fern Florist, Mutt Everything Dog, Head 2 Head Hair Design, and Temple Hill Property Management.

What does the winner receive?
The winner receives a cash prize and recognition for their contribution to Dorchester’s high street, as well as community and promotional support.

When will nominations open for the next Shopfront of the Season Awards?
Nominations for the Spring edition will open soon, with details shared by Dorchester Town Council and Dorchester BID.

Why are shopfront awards important for Dorchester?
They celebrate local creativity, encourage footfall, strengthen community pride and help keep Dorchester’s town centre vibrant and welcoming.

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