Shopkeepers across Ormskirk are entering into the festive spirit by decorating their windows for the Festival of Tales Best Dressed Festive Window Competition 2017.

Look for the ‘A Festival of Tales’ stickers in the windows of around 20 retailers in Ormskirk town centre. These shops have made a special effort with seasonal decorations to make their businesses look even more inviting, and the town itself more festive.

Shoppers can vote for their favourite shop window from 1 December by visiting www.chapelgallery.org.uk, and the business with the most votes will win £100.

A Festival of Tales is a feast of visual art, creative writing and performance. It features works by local and international artists and writers, all inspired by Ormskirk’s fascinating heritage.

Ormskirk town centre itself has become a gallery and theatre, with the streets animated by fabulous artworks specially made for this event and performances centred around the Clock Tower.

As well as the best dressed window competition, seven shops are hosting artworks on the A Festival of Tales Art Trail. Internationally renowned artist, Su Blackwell, has made a magnificent replica of the Clock Tower which is located in Church Walks, while West Lancashire based artist, Matthew Roby, has created a Giant Gingerbread Man who has had a disastrous romantic encounter with a Victoria sponge and can be seen in Waterstones window.

For a map of the trail, pop into Chapel Gallery, or visit www.chapelgallery.org.uk, where you can also find more information on many other festival activities, including free writing workshops, creative activities and a design your own Ormskirk Postcard competition.

Councillor Yvonne Gagen, portfolio holder for Leisure, said: "I am really pleased that shops are getting involved in A Festival of Tales by entering the Best Dressed Festive Window Competition and hosting some of the artworks for the Art Trail.

"A Festival of Tales is a wonderful event for Ormskirk town centre so come along and enjoy the fantastic activities that are on offer."

A Festival of Tales is being developed by West Lancashire Borough Council Arts Development Service, Ormskirk Town Centre Management Group, and Edge Hill University in partnership with local businesses. The festival has received a £15,000 grant from the Arts Lottery Programme.