Window Wanderland, which started in Bishopston in January 2015, will take place again on 20th and 21st February. The community initiative, created by local Lucy Reeves to bring some hope and joy to the darkest of winter months, encourages residents to make window displays to amuse, entertain and enthrall their neighbours for one weekend of fun.

Together the windows form a wonderful winter walking trail, which in its inaugural year saw more than 2,500 people come out to enjoy and participate.

But Window Wanderland is no longer confined to the streets of Bishopston. The success of the community event has inspired others to take up the mantle and organise their own winter light trails. Bristol communities in Southville, Ashton and Bedminster on 27th – 29th February and Windmill Hill and Victoria Park on 28th and 29th February will both follow Bishopston’s event.

In addition Bedford held an event in December 2015 and Harrogate will host a Window Wanderland in early March 2016. Information about all of the events can be found on the Window Wanderland website at www.windowwanderland.com.

Lucy Reeves, who dreamt up Window Wanderland following her own time of being ‘stuck in the house’ is delighted that other areas are joining in, says, “I can’t wait to see how the residents of Bishopston will choose to decorate their windows this year – the thrill of discovering the ingenuity and creativity that we have on our doorsteps is fabulous.

“And I am so pleased that an idea I had years ago has inspired so many more to establish Window Wanderlands this winter. My aim for this accessible event is to showcase the diversity of communities through their own Wanderlands.”

The Bishopston Window Wanderland is being supported by a range of local businesses including Ocean and Boston Tea Party. Several Gloucester Road shops and cafes have also pledged to take part in the trail, including Room 212, Moodles, Grounded, Totally Toys, A Touch of Beauty, Horders and The Lazy Dog.

The pupils of Ashley Down Primary School are all looking forward to getting involved this year and will be creating ideas for their own windows in school next term as well as decorating the window of Totally Toys. Miss Harrison, a teacher at the school, said:

“At Ashley Down Primary School we are really excited about being involved in ‘Window Wanderland’ this year after the fantastic success of last year. We have opened the project up to every class in the whole primary school and will be having a whole day of designing and creating our window displays which will be linked to our project topics.

“The children are really excited about seeing their creative designs and art work displayed in all the classroom windows, as well as some shops on the Gloucester Road. We will be having assemblies to launch the project and are hoping to get parents and PGCE students involved. All the staff and children are looking forward to transforming the school into an illuminated wanderland!”

There is still plenty of time to sign up and get involved. If you would like to create a display and need inspiration visit www.windowwanderland.com or email wwbishopston@gmail.com.