The Musical Best Dressed Window Competition 2026

Special Guest Judge Mary Portas

Once again, Tetbury’s independent shops are invited to celebrate the town’s rich musical heritage and its many independent businesses with striking, music-themed window displays.

Inspired by Chelsea in Bloom—where businesses in Chelsea decorate their shopfronts to coincide with the Chelsea Flower Show—we invite local retailers, for the third year running, to transform their windows around a musical theme, turning the high street into a vibrant showcase designed to attract visitors, support our independent businesses, and raise the town’s cultural profile. The displays also help to raise funds for St Mary’s Primary School to enhance music provision for local children.

Theme: Set The Tempo!

#bestdressedwindow

Every piece of music carries its own tempo, just as every shop carries its own distinct character. This year’s theme invites businesses to reflect their individual style through the pace, mood or personality of their window display.

Whether your interpretation is lively, elegant, playful, spirited or quietly considered, the theme offers plenty of scope for creativity.

To inspire ideas, you may wish to draw on musical tempo markings such as:

Allegro – fast and lively

Adagio – slow and graceful

Scherzo – playful and light-hearted

Vivace – spirited and vivid

Andante – measured and unhurried

Con brio – with vigour and energy

Dolce – sweet and gentle

As in previous years, judging day provides an opportunity for participating businesses to meet the judge, have photographs taken and enjoy being part of one of the most anticipated days of the Festival calendar.

We are also delighted to announce that this year’s competition will be judged by

Mary Portas, broadcaster,author and champion of Britain’s High Streets.

Key Dates

Displays may be installed as soon as you are ready.

Displays should be in place by Monday 21 September 2026 and remain on view until Sunday 4 October 2026.

We encourage participants to put their displays in place as early as possible, helping contribute to the Festival atmosphere across the town and complementing the new musical bunting that will be installed throughout Tetbury in the coming week.

Judging Day

Thursday 24 September 2026

As in previous years, a sponsor donation will be made for every participating business, helping support music education at St Mary’s Primary School.

There is no cost to entry other than your gift of time and creativity.