Winter Windows 2022

During November and December, organisations, residents and businesses in Thornton get together for a community festival. St James Church, the Community Centre, Sapgate Gardens and South Square Centre organise events and celebrations to mark the season.

For the fourth year running, South Square have organised the Winter Windows Trail. This is a free family event that sees over 50 homes and businesses decorating and lighting their windows across the village. During the month of December, visitors can collect a map detailing all the window locations. The maps enable the readers to discover nooks, crannies and ginnels that make up this historical conservation area. There is a light switch on accompanied by singing, music and celebration.

South Square marked the launch this year by revealing its highly anticipated light installation. Artist Debs Wrekon of Wildlight Decor took inspiration from Thornton’s natural heritage and created a stunning beacon of light that will illuminate the courtyard throughout the Winter. The sculpture, named after Emily Brontë’s ‘Fall, Leaves, Fall’ poem, illustrates the Viaduct, Pinch Beck, St James Church and local flora and fauna.

The launch was marked with harmonious singing from Thornton’s Community Choir and big brass sounds from Oompah band ‘Das Funk’. Many visitors came support and it was a spectacular event.

The festival also marked South Square’s first curated Makers Market, a hand picked market showcasing ceramicists, jewellers, artists, leather workers and wood turners.

50 Window participants were included on the trail and over 250 maps were distributed to families.  Approximately 300 visitors attended South Square over the weekend.

This event was kindly funded by the National Heritage Lottery Fund.