Design Reading's Next Christmas Light!

Could your artwork become part of Reading’s 2027 Christmas light display? 

We’re looking for budding artists of all ages to design a brand-new Christmas light centrepiece celebrating what makes Reading special. The winning designs will become part of the town’s festive display in 2027 and will light up for everyone to see on Broad Street! 

There are three categories to enter: 

• Children: up to age 11
• Young Adults: ages 12–17 
• Adults: ages 18+ 

Need some inspiration? Take a look at our current Christmas light designs and see how they bring Reading’s stories to life. 

Then get drawing, designing and dreaming up a Christmas centrepiece that could be seen by thousands of people across the town! 

How to enter 

• Think about what makes Reading special to you. What would you like to see celebrated?
• Create your design! You can download and print our template to draw your design, or create it digitally. Just make sure your finished design is circular in shape.
• Keep it simple! Your design will be seen from a distance, so bold shapes and clear details work best.
• Scan or photograph your finished design and upload it using the competition form by 11:59pm on Thursday 31 December 2026. 

The winning entries 

The winning entries will be selected by a panel put together by REDA. T&Cs apply. 

Winners will be contacted and announced in February 2027 via the Visit Reading newsletter and social channels at @visitrdg on Instagram and Facebook. 

Good luck with your submissions – we can’t wait to see your ideas! 

FAQs 

What format should digital entries be in? 

PDFs, high-res and clear photos of artwork, or digital graphic designs are accepted, along with maximum file size limits for the competition form. All submissions must be formatted as circles to fit the shape criteria of the centrepiece. 

What kind of design are you looking for? 

Anything that celebrates Reading and/or Christmas. Due to the size and nature of the large centrepieces, bright, bold and simple designs are most effective. Explore the current designs here. 

How can I create my design? 

We encourage participants to use any creative means they like, including, but not limited to, illustration, painting and graphic design. A printable worksheet is available for all to use but is optional. This needs to be scanned in and uploaded to the competition form digitally.

Who can enter the competition? 

The competition is open to everyone, split across three age categories: Children (up to age 11), Young Adults (12–17), and Adults (18+).

Can I submit more than one application? 

No, applications are limited to one public entry per person. 

If my child has submitted an application with their school, can they submit another one through the public entry? 

Yes. All children are allowed a public entry on top of any entries participated in through their school. 

Can I send in a physical submission? 

Public entries need to be submitted digitally through this competition form. 

What is the deadline for entries? 

Physical school entries must arrive by Friday 18 December 2026, and digital public entries must be submitted via the competition form by 11:59pm on Thursday 31 December 2026. 

When and how will the winners be announced? 

Winners will be contacted directly and announced in February 2027 via the Visit Reading social channels and newsletter.