Students and residents came together in a series of workshops organised by Make the Sunshine CiC and The Old Stores Studio in Evercreech.

The workshops, part of Window Wanderland Festival, aim to bring people together, to lighten the dark November nights and to use creativity as a catalyst for community and new conversations.

Residents of Field House Care Home and children from St. Paul's Junior School all worked together on a beautiful window called 'The Kaleidoscope of Life' all about the interconnections of generations coming together. Nic Slade designed the window featuring geometric and folk art birds at the Old Stores Studio.

Louise, Director of Make the Sunshine, said: "We've been running these workshops for three years – it is so wonderful to see the happiness and connection that forms through shared making – and it is so nice to be back making together after the break of Covid."

Thursday 24th November, 6:30 – 7pm, sees the launch of Window Wanderland festival in the town centre. As part of the celebrations there will be an incredible Fire Show in Shepton Mallet Town Centre thanks to support from Mendip Community Fund.

The show features Danny Albone, a professional Fire & Circus Performer based in Somerset, UK. From fire eating to pyrotechnical props with a fantastic firework finale, Danny will be showcasing his 10 years of experience across various fire, circus, LED & pyrotechnical props. His mesmerising performances combine comedy, dance, showmanship & crowd interaction to create an unforgettable experience – so don't miss this spectacular opening!

Windows being launched that evening include

• Tom Makin's projection in Shepton Mallet Library as well as the community Hedgehog window
• Shepton Mallet Arts Ambassadors working with Jasmine Collings at Haskins
• Kristin Lindop at Field House Care Home
• Field House Care Home and St Paul's Junior School at The Cheeky Bean Café (Created with artist Nic Slade)
• Studio 37 Gym at Peppers
• Many McKenna and the local community at the Art Bank
• Bowlish Infant School at Shepton Mallet Cobblers
• A display at Create @ #8
• All the windows of St Paul's Junior School
• Plus many more artist takeovers, homes and businesses taking part in the fun!

And it's not to late to join in - to join in you can collect a free making pack from Shepton Mallet Library which includes everything you will need to make your windows, or come along to the free community workshops.

Alternatively, between 2-4pm, Saturday 19th November you can take place in a workshop at The Old Stores Studio (booking via their website)

You can use the cutting mats, chat to others about your design and get the materials you need for your windows.

This year the event will run across Shepton Mallet and Evercreech as Make the Sunshine partners with the Old Stores Studio in Evercreech to bring the trail to even more families locally.

Window Wanderland is being run by Make the Sunshine and The Old Stores Studio – bringing Window Wanderland – a national and now international movement to our town.

Don't miss your chance to join in! This free community event is open to anyone with a window in Shepton Mallet or Evercreech. Designs don't need to be 'arty' it's about having fun and connecting with your neighbours!

All you need to do is to take part is register your windows is visit makethesunshine.co.uk/windowwanderland or https://www.windowwanderland.com/event/shepton-mallet-2022/ it takes just two minutes. And don't forget to spread the word to your neighbours.