Today, (4th November) the city’s first Window Wonderland will illuminate the streets of Salisbury.

Window Wanderland is a free magical outdoor gallery, that will see windows in city-centre businesses and homes decorated in fantastical designs.

From 4th to 7th November 2021, each window will be lit between 4.30pm and 10pm, shining a light on Salisbury’s creativity and community spirit.

The unique art galleries have been seen on the streets of the UK since 2015, but this is the first time for Salisbury.

There is a downloadable map on the Experience Salisbury website here that details where some of the main windows are. Window Wanderland leaflets can also be picked up from the Salisbury Information Centre of Fish Row, Salisbury Arts Centre, HSBC and Salisbury Library.

Take the whole family on a magical walk through the city centre, find your favourite design and upload to social media using the #WWSalisbury2021 hashtag.

The launch of Salisbury’s first Window Wanderland coincides with the start of Diwali, Festival of Lights, which has also been chosen as the theme for the 2021 project. Diwali promotes happiness and positivity and celebrates the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.

Most of the window designs have been created through workshops organised by Wiltshire Creative’s Take Part Programme. They have worked closely with local community groups and schools to produce imaginative designs that will fill business windows across the city centre.

Over 20 workshops in total have taken place, led by artists Alex Hoare, Michele Millidge, Francesca McLean. The lead artists have also created their own pieces on the Window Wanderland trail. HSBC on Minster Street not only will be hosting a design in one of their windows, but the business has also put funding towards the project.

Nicola Bourne, Local Director at HSBC UK said: “I am extremely proud we have been able to support the ‘Festival of Light’ Diwali Celebrations. The Window Wanderland event has given a great opportunity to bring the city together to celebrate Cultural Diversity and showcase the talents of Artists, School Children and other groups who have been involved in creating the window designs. Hopefully this innovative event will mean more visitors into the city centre, which will be a positive for local retailers as well.”

To celebrate the beginning of Window Wanderland and Diwali, there will be an evening of traditional Nepalese dance and music at Salisbury’s Guildhall tonight (4th November 2021). The evening will give a real insight into the local Nepalese community and culture whilst celebrating the city’s diversity. There will be three performances at 6pm, 7pm and 8pm. You don’t need to book but spaces are on a first come first serve basis. There will also be hot drinks for those who attend.