The Great British High Street finalists revealed

The Great British High Street competition has revealed the nation’s 27 best high streets.

Celebrating the great work that is being done to revive, adapt and diversify the nation’s high streets, the competition is is one of a number of government initiatives to help champion high streets as the cornerstones of the community.

With 900 entries received across the 14 categories, the finalists now have the chance to impress an expert judging panel and compete in a public vote to be crowned Britain’s best. Winners in each category will share a prize pot worth £100,000 and receive expert training from Google’s digital taskforce for shops, bars and restaurants.

Among the finalists, Derby, Norwich and Bristol will compete in the City category, while Hemel Hempstead, Banbury and Blackburn will all vie for the Town Centre prize.

Last year’s winner, Bishy Road in York, found that winning has had a ‘tangible economic impact with retailers reporting increased footfall’.

Andrew Percy, High Streets Minister, said: “Our high streets are the life and soul of towns, villages and cities across the country and the record number of competition entries this year is proof of their continued importance to local life.

“There are bustling high streets up and down the country from North London to Northumberland and now is the time you can show support for your local area and get voting.”

The competition is run by the Department for Communities and Local Government and sponsored by British Land, the Post Office, Holland & Barrett, Boots UK, Google UK, Marks & Spencer, Wilko, Revo and Ellandi.