Friday, September 5, 2014

Waterford on display as Waterford 1100 announces window display competition

Waterford City and County Council recently launched the Waterford 1100 Window Display competition to encourage local businesses in Waterford City to “celebrate Waterford”, with prizes of €1,500, €1,000, €750 and €500 respectively to be awarded to the winning entries.

The initiative has received support from prominent business groups, Waterford Chamber of Commerce and Waterford Business Group.  The premise of the initiative is to encourage businesses within Waterford City to celebrate an aspect of Waterford through window displays incorporating their products or stock. 

Billy Duggan, Chairman of the Waterford 1100 committee commented, “As Ireland’s oldest city, Waterford City has contributed significantly to the historical, social, economic and artistic landscape of the country over the past 1100 years. We are encouraging businesses in the city to take part in the Waterford 1100 celebrations by participating in the window display competition.”

“The theme of the window display competition ‘celebrate Waterford’ will mean so many different things to different people”, Mr. Duggan added. “To some, celebrating Waterford might mean a Munster senior hurling championship win, or the city’s Viking heritage or a fresh blaa filled with red lead. We are actively encouraging businesses to interpret the theme in a way that is meaningful to them – and in the most creative way possible!”

The panel of judges consists of Peter Kelly, aka “Franc”, the wedding planner synonymous with shows such as RTE’s Weddings by Franc and Franc’s DIY Brides, WLRfm’s Big Breakfast Blaa presenter, Karen Tomkins, and Billy Duggan, Chairman of the Waterford 1100 committee.

The judges will be looking for creativity, relevant to the competition theme and a certain WOW factor. Participants are strongly encouraged to integrate their own product into the display so that will not only make a strong impact but may also encourage customers into the premises.

Peter Kelly (aka Franc) of the judging panel for the “Celebrate Waterford” competition said, “I'm delighted to be coming to Waterford, Ireland's oldest city, on its 1100th anniversary.  I'm excited to see all the wonderful window displays because I know how creative Waterford people are.”

Businesses can register via www.waterford1100.com and window displays will be judged from Friday, September 19th, with the winners announced at a reception in City Hall in early October.

Cllr. Eddie Mulligan, Chair of the Waterford Business Group said “The WBG is delighted to support the Council on this project.  Our members, who are established right across the city, have been making great strides in enhancing the City centre offering.  The window display competition is a wonderful way to encourage businesses to celebrate Waterford through creative, fun, engaging window displays.  It will also make visiting the City, whether for shopping, having a coffee, or just meeting friends an even more enjoyable experience.  We would ask that everyone does their part in ‘Rediscovering your Waterford City’.”

Mr. Nick Donnelly, CEO of Waterford Chamber of Commerce, which also fully supports the initiative commented, “There is great potential for Waterford to move forward and a project like this which encourages businesses to work collectively to enhance the City can only be welcomed. We’re looking forward to seeing how businesses choose to ‘celebrate Waterford’ and put the spotlight on some of Waterford’s great achievements, people and history.”

For a fact sheet about the Waterford 1100 Window Display competition or to register your business visit www.waterford1100.com

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