IT'S time for Falmouth's businesses to get creative as this year's Spring Festival window display competition is launched.

The competition celebrates the arrival of spring ahead of the festival, which takes place from March 19 to 29.

The festival, organised by Falmouth BID and sponsored by the University of Exeter, is an early season celebration of the coast, community and culture.

Retailers and other businesses in the town are encouraged to get creative – and perhaps a little bit competitive – by dressing up their windows along a spring theme; think yellows, greens, floral patterns and daffodils.

The judging panel, made up of Falmouth Mayor Cllr Steve Eva, Steve Smith, editor of the Falmouth Packet and Emma Webster from the Falmouth Town Team, are bound to be in for a tough decision to make when selecting their top three displays.

Emma said: “Falmouth is renowned for its creative buzz and community spirit, so we are really excited to see what our innovative local businesses are going to come up with for the new competition. The judges will be looking for imagination, colour and originality so do get designing.”

Falmouth BID has teamed up with partners, who have donated prizes for the window display contest.

Up for grabs are a day family leisure pass for the Falmouth Hotel, a £50 Seasalt voucher and a cream tea for two at The Greenbank Hotel.

To enter, businesses should ensure that their window displays are ready for the all-important judging on Wednesday, March 18, the day before the start of the Falmouth Spring Festival, with designs needing to stay in place for the duration of the event.

Businesses are encouraged to get in touch with Emma Webster, who is co-ordinating entries, via emma@falmouth.co.uk to confirm their participation.

Falmouth BID thanked the businesses that donated prizes and the judges.