Salisbury shoppers may notice a lot of activity in businesses over the next few days as preparations begin for the city's first Window Wanderland.

The three day unique art gallery project will be seen across the city centre from November 4  and lights will be left on in windows between 4.30pm and 10pm to showcase the imaginative designs.

The magical outdoor galleries have been seen on the streets of the UK since 2015 as part of a UK-wide not-for-profit initiative that began in Bristol and aims to combat isolation by fostering a sense of community.

The Salisbury project coincides with two religious festivals - the Christian festival of All Saints and All Souls and the festival of Diwali, celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and some Buddhists.

The full Window Wanderland experience will launch on 4th November at the Guildhall with a special evening of traditional dance and music from the Nepalese Society of Salisbury, as they also celebrate the start of Diwali, a religious festival of lights. 

Chairperson of the Nepalese Society of Salisbury Sabita Sharma said it is the 'perfect' time to celebrate as Diwali is "about light triumphing over darkness, very much like our fight against Covid over the last couple of years".

"It’s going to give a positive message. It’s about victory over evil, lights colour and bringing families together," she added. 

There will be three performances on the night, at 6pm, 7pm and 8pm and 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.

Chairperson Sabita Sharma said: “We are very excited to bring our culture and heritage to the people of Salisbury.

"During our evening of dance and music we are going to wear our traditional clothes so it’s going to be a good night.”

Over the last few months, Wiltshire Creative’s Take Part Programme has been holding workshops with local community groups and schools to produce many of the window decorations soon to be installed.

Window Wanderland has been brought to Salisbury by the city vibrancy partnership, which is made up of Salisbury BID, Salisbury City Council and Wiltshire Creative with funding from HSBC UK and Wiltshire Council.

They would like to remind you not to forget to take photos of the impressive designs and upload them to social media using: #WWSalisbury2021 

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