We asked our younger readers to send in their most festive creations for the chance to design the front cover of one of The Big Issue’s biggest selling issues of the year – and we were snowed under with festive joy!
Over 1,000 incredible entries arrived, which filled an entire room at the magazine’s HQ. After an agonising judging process, we decided this year’s winner was Martin Wellstead, aged six, from Wimborne, Dorset. His happy snowman is gracing the cover of the magazine on sale across the UK right now.
We were bowled over by the quantity and quality of the entries we received, so to thank all our entrants we’ve put EACH AND EVERY ONE together for a short film – it’s the most joyous thing you’ll see this Christmas!
Our editor Paul McNamee felt something simple struck with Martin’s winning picture. “It just said ‘Joy!’,” he remarked. “It lifts your spirits and makes you smile, simply and honestly. That feels very timely right now!”
And joy it has created. With a freezing cold snap set to descend on the nation this week, Martin’s jolly snowman has been brightening up the chilly high streets and putting smiles on everyone’s faces – as well as helping our vendors remain cheery in what is undoubtedly a difficult time for many. Of course we’d like everyone to buy a copy of the magazine from our vendors this festive season – try it, read it, you’ll love it! But even if you don’t buy a copy, stop and say hello to one of our vendors – you could be the first person they’ve spoken to that day, and some friendly conversation can make a huge difference.
