A NEW string to Tetbury Music Festival’s bow this year will involve more than two dozen local shops and a celebrity judge.

A musical-themed Best Dressed Window competition - judged by TV designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen - will take place as part of the event from Monday, September 23 to Sunday, October 6.

The contest will see stores compete to create the most beautiful and innovative shop window design.

Entrants will decorate their windows to reflect some aspect of Tetbury Music Festival, with music-lover Laurence judging the competition and crowning the winner on Thursday, September 26.

Spearheaded by festival director Caz Weller Knight, the competition aims to increase footfall in the town, celebrate the music-making on offer during the festival and raise money for St Mary’s Primary School in Tetbury to enhance its music provision.

Businesses taking part include Brownrigg, Domestic Science and OVERIDER.

“This competition is a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together, support our local businesses and celebrate the rich musical heritage of Tetbury,” said Caz.

“We are especially pleased to contribute to St Mary’s Primary School’s music programme, fostering the next generation of musical talent.”

Tetbury Music Festival is a chamber music festival founded in 2003.

Highlights of this year’s festival include artists like guitarist Craig Ogden, pianist Imogen Cooper, Polyphony and Stephen Layton.

The event will also see the world premiere of a new work by Gary Carpenter and the reunion of violinist Vilde Frang and Arcangelo.

A series of lectures and interviews will complement the live music programme and offer insights into the performances.

King Charles is the festival’s patron.

The window displays will be available to view from September 23 to October 6.

For more information about Tetbury Music Festival, visit tetburymusicfestival.org