Window Wanderland is coming to Salisbury for the first time with local residents, schools and businesses encouraged to transform their windows for a unique art gallery trail this November.

Salisbury’s three-day Wanderland will start on November 4, drawing on themes from the religious festival Diwali which begins on the same day, and is being organised by Salisbury BID and Wiltshire Creative.

The free event is part of a UK-wide not-for-profit initiative, Window Wanderland, which began in Bristol in 2015, where neighbourhoods create artistic window displays in their homes and businesses to create an outdoor art gallery that combats social isolation and fosters community spirit.  

Wiltshire Creative Take Part Director Louise Dancy is “delighted” that the event has been awarded funding by the Salisbury Area Board giving the city a chance to “inspire and celebrate together as the nights draw in”.

She said: “There is a rich diversity in our city and this project offers a great platform to celebrate just a bit of it, we hope this paves the way for future celebrations and exchanges of cultural traditions.”

Owner of Casa Fina and Salisbury BID Director, Susi Mason, said: “Window Wanderland will be such an exciting project for Salisbury bringing the community together to celebrate positivity and hope and celebrating the diversity in our city.

“The trail of illuminated windows will allow a safe flow of visitors to walk through the streets and will hopefully bring additional trade to our retail and hospitality businesses after a difficult period."

Diwali is a festival of lights originating in India which is celebrated around the world, the Nepalese Society of Salisbury helping develop the event and presenting an evening of traditional dancing at the Guildhall on its launch.

Interested businesses and residents should fill in this form on the Experience Salisbury website, or email hello@experiencesalisbury.co.uk

Professional artist support, free workshops and resources are available to support schools and community groups who want to get involved, who should email: takepart@wiltshirecreative.co.uk

Businesses who can offer up their windows to host displays are also encouraged to get in contact. 

The event is being funded by Wiltshire Council with event support from Salisbury City Council. 

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