Shop windows went out of this world when business owners fought for the top spot in a new competition at this year’s Barnaby Festival.

There was a close finish for the festival’s first People’s Choice of Barnaby Shop Windows competition, which saw shop owners adorn windows with moons, aliens and other creations in keeping with the theme ‘Space’.

Almost 300 votes were cast for 40 town centre premises and four shops jostled for the top slot over the last few days.

The winner was The Monocle Deli, on Chestergate, run by Melanie Alexandrou and Chris Kennerley, which nudged ahead with 42 votes.

The Helpful Hand on Chester Road was runner up with 39, Shopmobility on Churchill Way had 38 and Macclesfield Eye Society on Queen Victoria Street received 31 votes.

The Monocle Deli in Macclesfield won Barnaby Festival first show window competiion

It’s a double success for The Monocle Deli which was chosen by Barnaby judges earlier in the month as winner of Out Of This World Prize for creativity and innovation.

Judges said the shop front was transformed with a quirky, engaging display about animals in space alongside funny, skillfully made, mechanical toys.

Customers in one window of the art gallery, cafe and occasional bar – which temporarily changed its name to The Moon Deli – found themselves sitting inside a crescent moon.

The Helpful Hand chose the Clangers, the early 70s TV animation where knitted animals live in and on a moon-like planet. This window had been highly commended by Barnaby judges.

Shopmobility’s windows sported a handmade alien invasion.

Macclesfield Eye Society, Queen Victoria Street won the Big Bang Prize for visitor participation and use of social media. Their window invited visitors to learn more about eye conditions with impressive use of social media.

Hannah Young, competition organiser and Barnaby volunteer, said: “There were so many inventive windows and the top four seem to have captured the imagination of their customers and the public.

“But special congratulations to The Monocle Deli who have really entered into the spirit of the competition and festival.

“It’s the first time we’ve run a People’s Choice prize – sponsored by Macclesfield Town Council – and we’re really pleased with the numbers who entered the competition and voted.

“It’s made the town even more fun to explore over Barnaby.”

The Monocle Deli will receive £150, plus a £50 voucher to use at the Arighi Bianchi Cafe.