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Team at the White Horse in Boughton create art advent calendar in pub's windows

In the build up to Christmas, many of us enjoy opening an advent calendar - but one village pub has decided to put a spin on the festive tradition.

At the White Horse in Boughton, a piece of artwork is being revealed in its windows each day, making for a stunning display.

Tara's daughter Tash Birks can't wait to reveal what's behind the number. Picture: Paul Amos
Tara's daughter Tash Birks can't wait to reveal what's behind the number. Picture: Paul Amos

Owner Tara Birks is behind the creative Christmas project she hopes is bringing a smile to people’s faces.

“I devised the plan with my partner and we came up with this as we really wanted to engage with the community,” the 48-year-old said.

“We are a community pub and we have a lot of artists in the village.

“The front of the pub does look lovely, but we thought we could do something to make it more Christmassy - especially as we get lots of people passing the pub by foot and in cars and buses, meaning lots of people are always looking in the window.”

The artwork can be seen from the road in the pub's windows. Picture: Paul Amos
The artwork can be seen from the road in the pub's windows. Picture: Paul Amos

Ms Birks has been encouraging artists - be they beginners or professional - to submit pieces.

In true Christmas spirit, Ms Birks - who has run the village pub in The Street for more than nine years - has been printing off pictures of the art double-sided so that both customers and also those passing by can enjoy the display.

“We started off by putting the numbers in the window, which created a bit of a buzz, and we are revealing pictures day by day,” she added.

Snowmen by the Ticklebelly Bakehouse in Hernhill features in the display
Snowmen by the Ticklebelly Bakehouse in Hernhill features in the display

“It is turning out really lovely and we are getting some real quality work sent in.

“It’s not just 2D pieces we’ve been sent, we have a sculpture that we’ve taken a picture off and put in the window.

“We will also be holding an exhibition of the work after Christmas Eve which will look striking.

Joyce Marriott's A Christmas Carol makes up part of the art advent calendar
Joyce Marriott's A Christmas Carol makes up part of the art advent calendar

“The feedback has been lovely and it is coming together really well, it’s something a bit different and people have enjoyed the posts I have been doing on Facebook each day.”

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