Magical mums light up Oatlands with first-ever Window Wanderland

Held over two nights in the Oatlands area, more than 80 houses and shops got involved with decorating and lighting up their front windows - as well as the local school.As visitors wandered round from 6pm to 9pm enjoying the magical spectacle, a collection was held which raised £500 for Saint Michael’s Hospice.Window Wanderland was originally the brainchild of Bristol resident Lucy Reeves Khan who had the idea last year of creating a different sort of walking trail to bring the local community together and help good causes.The Harrogate event was organised by a group of five mums who recently set up Oatlands Community Group, a new not-for-profit umbrella community group.One of the organisers, Victoria Smith-Dunn said: “We couldn't have imagined the event going any better."The streets of Oatlands were buzzing with people of all ages and people really embraced the challenge to create some amazing and unusual displays."Among the many amazing window displays were underwater scenes, the city of London, a celebration of 10 years of Fairtrade in Harrogate, space travel and dinosaurs.Harrogate is the third town following Bristol and Bedford to embrace the Window Wanderland concept.The event was free to take part in and participants could choose to light up their home or garden, business or community centre in any way they wished.Detailed maps of the houses and businesses with displays were also printed to allow visitors to plan their walk.Victoria Smith-Dunn said: "This was the first event by Oatlands Community group and we have many more exciting ideas for the coming year.For more information on Oatlands Community group, visit www.Oatlandscommunity.co.uk