Cancer Research UK’s Newark committee names Furniture Warehouse, on Kirkgate, as best dressed shop front for annual Turn Newark Pink charity campaign

Dozens of town-centre businesses have been raising funds and awareness for a cancer charity by decorating their shop fronts as part of the Turn Newark Pink campaign.

Organised by the Newark committee of Cancer Research UK, the campaign aims to raise awareness and funds for life-saving research into the disease.

As part of Turn Newark Pink, which began on September 29 and ends this Saturday (October 11), businesses across the town turned over their shop fronts to support the cause, with imaginative pink window displays.

Out of all those who took part in the campaign, the committee judged Furniture Warehouse, on Kirkgate, to be their favourite.

The shop window was designed by business owner Paula Wood and assistant Muzellie Carlisle.

Muzellie said: “We wanted to do something a little bit different and support an amazing charity at the same time.

“We got all the pink stuff we could find, popped it in the window with some blooms, and did our best.

“It was good fun. We have had quite a few people saying it looks good, and we love doing things like this.”

Roger Pykett, chairman of the Newark Cancer Research UK, awarded the 2025 trophy to Furniture Warehouse, praising the display’s “panoramic design.”

He said: “There have been some marvellous displays in the town.

“But this one struck me and the other judges as being very original and high quality.

“It is a nice, big display, which used items from the shop, and depicts everything we wanted to present as Cancer Research.”

On behalf of the committee, Roger thanked all the participating businesses and Newark Town Council for their support.

“This was taken up by everyone in the town,” he said. “It really highlights the strong community spirit we have.

“Cancer is something which has touched so many people, in so many ways.

“So a massive thank you to everyone that took part in raising money and awareness.”

The committed set out to raise £5,000 during the campaign, and are currently around half way towards achieving that target.

At the same time, they have also now reached another milestone, raising £1m since the committee was formed in 1968.

It is estimated that 1 in 2 people will receive a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, emphasising the need to need for better understanding of the disease and the importance of donations.