Gloucester residents invited to take part in Window Wanderland illuminated art trail

Published
07.12.2020

Gloucester City Council in partnership with Gloucester Culture Trust and GL4 are pleased to announce a brand new community art project for Gloucester taking place this December.

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Funded by the Arts Council England, Window Wanderland Gloucester is part of Bright Nights a new programme of light installations for all the family to bring colour, light and joy to the city as the nights get longer over winter.

Members of the public are invited to enjoy the socially distanced, evening trail to see their neighbourhood in a whole new light. This is a fun community event that everyone can join in with. A map of all windows taking part can be found at: www.windowwanderland.com/event/gloucester-2020/

Window art can be seen in Matson, White City, Robinswood and Podsmead and will be illuminated every day between 5.30pm and 8.30pm before ending on Christmas Eve. The project was unveiled on Tuesday 1 December at Matson Gateway Hub, by the Mayor of Gloucester, Councillor Kate Haigh.

A number of local artists have created feature windows which include:

  • ‘The Robin’s Wood’ by Harriet West - Matson Gateway Hub, Matson & Robinswood
  • ‘Winter Wanderland’ by Anita Andrews, Podsmead Big Local, Podsmead
  • ‘Christmas Baubles’ by Susie Walker, Manuel’s Fish & Chips, White City

Local residents can also create their own displays and take part in the trail by becoming Windowmakers. Taking part is FREE and everyone is welcome.  Displays should be family friendly, be simple or spectacular and take the form of lights in the window or cut-out silhouettes.

Naomi Draper, Artistic Director at GL4, said: “GL4 has been working behind the scenes with The Venture White City, Podsmead Big Local & Podsmead Residents Association to bring Window Wanderland to Gloucester. We are extremely excited about launching this project as it gives people something to look forward to and a reason to get out the house and spend some quality time with family. After such a challenging year I feel it's so important for people to have something positive to focus on and what better way than spreading Christmas cheer.”

Councillor Steve Morgan, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure at Gloucester City Council, said: “Gloucester City Council are proud to be supporting Window Wanderland as part of our Bright Nights season, a fantastic community engagement project taking place throughout the month of December in Matson, Robinswood, Podsmead and White City. I can’t wait to see all the window displays and hope that it brings people some cheer during this difficult time. It’s a perfect way to get out and explore your neighbourhood. This project is open for all and if you would like your neighbourhood to take part then please contact City.Events@gloucester.gov.uk for details.”

People are reminded to try to keep two metres apart from people who are not in their household or bubble.

They are also encouraged to regularly wash their hands and if this is not possible to use hand sanitiser to help keep themselves and their families safe.

Visit www.windowwanderland.com/event/gloucester-2020/ for a map of participating displays for Window Wanderland or to register your window and take part in the trail.