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
Our panel of judges will award a £500 cash prize, event tickets, and a commemorative plaque to the winner - with more great prizes for runners-up.
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.
To enter:
Simply complete the short entry form here
Entries close: 10 August
Displays to be ready by: 18 August
Judging will take place: week commencing 18 August
Let’s work together to celebrate a great local tradition and make Stamford’s shopfronts shine!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can enter?
Any business in Stamford with a shop window is welcome to take part.
How do I enter?
It’s free to enter. Simply complete the entry form by 10 August. Your window display should be in place by 18 August and stay up until 7 September, the final day of the Defender Burghley Horse Trials.
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.
Are there any materials I can use?
Yes. A folder of downloadable resources including historic and recent photos, logos, and past programme covers will be available to access. You’re welcome to use and print any of them to support your display.
When will the judging take place?
Judging will take place during the week beginning 18 August 2025.
Who’s on the judging panel?
We’ll be announcing our panel of judges - made up of community figures and media representatives - very soon.
What are the prizes?
Overall Winner: £500 cash prize, a commemorative plaque, and two 4-day tickets to the Horse Trials
Highly Commended (up to 4): Plaque and two 1-day tickets
Commended (up to 4): Certificate of recognition
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.