Shepton Mallet will once again be transformed into a glowing outdoor gallery this winter as Window Wanderland returns from 5th–7th February 2026, inviting residents, families, schools and businesses to light up their windows and streets under this year's national theme: HOPE.

Window Wanderland is a free, inclusive, community-led festival where anyone with a window can take part.

From simple paper silhouettes (using black paper and tissue paper) to hanging displays, each display helps turn neighbourhoods into magical evening walking trails designed to spark joy, connection and creativity. 

Founded in Bristol in 2015, the movement has grown into almost 400 festivals across the world, from Alberta to New Zealand, creating more than 27,000 window displays to date

This year, Window Wanderland organisers across five English communities – including Shepton Mallet – are joining forces for a national "Trail of Hope," supported in part by Arts Council England. Each community will create its own locally-led festival while sharing the collective message that hope, creativity and connection can shine even in the darkest months of the year.

Make the Sunshine will also be working with school and community groups to help enable young imaginations to take over the town as well as partnering with Shepton Mallet Snowdrop Festival who will be sharing many of the festivals most poignant images and poems to bring hope across Shepton's High Street.

So why not get involved?

Anyone Can Be a Maker

A core principle of Window Wanderland is that absolutely anyone can take part — individuals, families, schools, care homes, community groups, and high street businesses. Displays can be as simple or as ambitious as people choose. In fact, some of the most striking windows come from basic shapes, bold colours, or a single uplifting word.

Celebrating Community in Shepton Mallet

The Shepton Mallet festival is coordinated by Make the Sunshine CIC working with Shepton Mallet Snowdrop Festival and supported by Shepton Mallet Town Council.

And they would love to see as many windows across the town joining in to brighten up these dark winter nights. 

How to Take Part

Participation is free and open to all and registration is now OPEN

• To take part register your window on the official Shepton Mallet map https://www.windowwanderland.com/event/shepton-mallet-2026/

There are lots of FREE Workshops planned starting THIS Saturday at Shepton Mallet Library 10am - 12pm. FREE packs are also available to collect from Shepton Mallet Library.

More information about Window Wanderland and guidance for makers can be found at www.makethesunshine.co.uk/windowwanderland