Businesses urged to join Best Dressed competition as Tour looms

Mansfield Library is getting in the Tour of Britain spirit

Nottinghamshire County Council set the challenge to find the ‘best dressed’ champion in each district last month, with a special prize on offer for each area.

It encourages businesses and residents to decorate their properties for when the television cameras arrive on September 8, giving the county a vibrant image during the Tour.

Councillor Kay Cutts, Nottinghamshire County Council leader, said: “With a global TV audience of millions, the eyes of the world will be upon us so it’s a wonderful opportunity to showcase what our great county has to offer.

Staff at the Mansfield Museum have decorated the front window for the Tour.

“We’ll be looking for flair, creativity and villages or towns which have gone that extra mile to embrace the spirit of the Tour of Britain.

“Last year, the efforts of the 45 villages and towns along the route brought tremendous sparkle to the day.

“Hours of hard work and dedication went into creating the miles of bunting, countless flags, dozens and dozens of yellow bikes and all the impressive displays of land art.

“I can’t wait to see how this year’s route will be transformed by communities across the county.”

Brambles Florist on Nottingham Road has got in the Tour of Britain spirit.

Businesses and shop fronts across Mansfield have already joined in on the competition, including Ambitions Personnel on Leeming Street, Brambles Florist on Nottingham Road, Charmingly Yours Boutique in Handley Arcade, the Mansfield Museum and the Mansfield Central Library.

More businesses are being encourage to join in, particularly those which are on the route of Tour.

To enter the competition all you have to do is send your plans and photos via the online form, post your photos on social media using #NottsToB

or visit www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/culture-leisure/sport/ovo-energy-tour-of-britain/competitions.

Kelly Hughes, Vicky May, Sarah Elvidge and Lauren Shepherd from Ambitions Personnel with their entry in to the Tour of Britain Best Dressed Window competition which they put together with help from manager Lynsey Butler.

Each district is set to win a special best-dressed town/village plaque.

Entrants are asked to make sure they have permission from the owners of any buildings or land they wish to decorate.

More advice is available at www.nottscc.gov.uk/tourofbritain, or visit the MyMansfield Facebook page for inspiration.

Have you dressed up your property for the Well Dressed competition? Send in your pictures to our Facebook page, Mansfield Chad.

In need of inspiration? Here are a few ideas:

l Decorate the route with flags and bunting

l Create colourful town/village/window displays

l Get your local community group involved – the more the merrier!

l Decorate old wheels or bikes to display

l Create land art in your local space – the bigger the better!

l The theme doesn’t need to be bicycle related, you can showcase your district heritage, landmarks, famous people or anything you are proud of.

l Celebration of industries are also encouraged but commercial advertising will not be counted.