Final preparations are underway as Woodbridge hopes to wow the judges of a top award.

Woodbridge is just one of 13 streets in England and 25 across the UK to have been shortlisted for a top award.

Judges for the Great British High Street awards will arrive in Woodbridge on Friday in time to see a huge street party being held on the Thoroughfare.

Youngsters from Woodbridge Primary School will be singing songs about the town while to its history will be represented by a replica of the Saxon sailing boat Sae Wyfling.

The brand new Woodbridge Memory Bike will also be out.

East Anglian Daily Times: Woodbridge High Street has been nominated as UK's best high street Picture: RACHEL EDGEWoodbridge High Street has been nominated as UK's best high street Picture: RACHEL EDGE (Image: Archant)

To win the competition Woodbridge needs to fend off competition from all corners of the UK including Trinity Market in Hull, The Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells and Avenue 77 in Glasgow.

Despite this business leaders in Woodbridge are hoping that voters will get behind the town as 30% of the final mark comes from the public.

Many readers have already told us why they enjoy spending time in Woodbridge.

Dawn Forsdike said: “38 years I’ve lived in Woodbridge and I absolutely love it, and have no intentions of ever leaving.”

“I work in Adams Apple,” said Janice Smith, “the customers we have always say how lovely Woodbridge is, with a great selection of independent shops and places to eat.”

“Good luck Woodbridge, we always enjoy shopping there,” added Susan Hellier.

Pebby Morton added: “Looks very different from when I was little over 70 years ago. But I still love it.”

“I’ve lived here for 5 years and find Woodbridge to be by far the friendliest place I’ve lived in the south,” said Edward Abbott.

James Lightfoot, chairman of business and tourism group Choose Woodbridge, said: “These awards celebrate the most ambitious high streets in the UK and this is certainly something The Thoroughfare can lay claim to.

“We boast a diverse make-up of independent and family-run shops and are home to a host of vivid, vibrant events.

“To reach the finals for such a prestigious award scheme is a triumph for Woodbridge, Suffolk and the whole of East Anglia and we want to showcase exactly what makes us special.

“To win we need votes. But we also want our community to come together for a spectacular party. We want people of all ages to join us. Your town needs you!”

To support Woodbridge’s bid for the top spot post on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, using #MYHIGHSTREET and #GBHSWoodbridge.