This September, the world-famous Defender Burghley Horse Trials returns and we’re inviting Stamford’s retailers to help us welcome the event in style with the Best Dressed Window competition.
Run in partnership with Shop Stamford, this is your chance to get creative, attract footfall, and show visitors just how special Stamford is. Whether you’re a shop, café, salon, or hotel, we’d love for you to take part.
Why Get Involved?
Celebrate Stamford’s Spirit
Join forces with one of the country’s biggest sporting events to shine a spotlight on the town we all love.
Boost Your Visibility
Your display will be seen by thousands of visitors, local shoppers, and potentially feature in Burghley Horse Trials and Burghley House promotional activity as well as local and national media coverage - a great way to stand out.
Win Brilliant Prizes
Winner and runner-up prizes will be revealed soon!
A Shared Celebration
This is a real opportunity to showcase local pride and build connections between Burghley Horse Trials and Stamford businesses.
Whether you’re inspired by horses, heritage, countryside style or creative flair your window can reflect whatever Defender Burghley Horse Trials means to you.
Enter for free:
Full details on how to enter the 2026 competition will be revealed here soon.
Let’s work together to celebrate a great local tradition and make Stamford’s shopfronts shine!
View the 2025 Winners & Runners-up
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can enter?
Any business in Stamford with a shop window is welcome to take part.
What will the judges be looking for?
We’re looking for window displays that are fun, eye-catching, and celebrate the spirit of Burghley Horse Trials.
Judging will be based on:
Creativity
How well the theme is represented
Overall visual impact
Your display could focus on the sport itself, the shopping and picnicking, the event's rich history, a favourite rider, even your own take on a jump - anything goes, as long as it relates to the Horse Trials and is underpinned by respect for the horse and human competitors.
Will my window get any coverage?
We’ll be sharing Best Dressed Window updates, images and stories across the social channels of Defender Burghley Horse Trials, Burghley House, and Shop Stamford (a combined 350k social followers!) as well as feeding in to local and national media. It’s a fantastic way to raise awareness of your business and celebrate your part in one of Stamford’s biggest events.
I've got a question about the competition, who do I contact?
If you've got any questions please drop us an email on bestwindow@burghley.co.uk and we'll get back to you as quickly as we can.