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Advent project will see new window display unveiled in Sandwich every day throughout December

One Kent town will be counting down the days until Christmas by unveiling a new window display each day - and this year rainbows will feature in every one.

Gayle Parker's Advent Windows aims to create an advent calendar walking trail to bring some festive cheer to families in Sandwich throughout December.

People can admire the decorated windows at different locations around Sandwich
People can admire the decorated windows at different locations around Sandwich
Last year's colourful creation by 2nd Sandwich Rainbows
Last year's colourful creation by 2nd Sandwich Rainbows

The mum-of-two who is training to be a teacher at Canterbury Christ Church University has set up a dedicated Facebook page 'Sandwich Advent Windows 2020', where she will unveil the location of a new window, or sometimes windows, each day.

It could be at a home, a shop front or a community venue.

The beauty of the project is that it is entirely outside - making it Covid-19 safe - and meaning whether the nation is in lockdown or not it can still go ahead.

She said: "In a year when most of the regular festive experiences are sadly, but understandably, being taken away from Sandwich due to Covid-19, we want to light up our wonderful town and bring much festive joy.

"Each day I will reveal one or two advent window locations with a map showing where they are and I do that all the way up until the 24th.

Gayle Parker and her family pictured last Christmas Eve as they set out on the trail
Gayle Parker and her family pictured last Christmas Eve as they set out on the trail
Last year's Christmas window message from Sandwich based dance group - Heather's Dance Company
Last year's Christmas window message from Sandwich based dance group - Heather's Dance Company

"On Christmas Eve I produce a map of all of them so people can enjoy a nice walk of the town and see them all."

Mrs Parker has already given a teaser about the first advent window in this year's trail which has been put together by 2nd Sandwich Rainbows to support hardworking key workers.

St Peter's Church is also set to join in with its display of festive lights.

Others are anticipated by Sandwich Medieval Centre, Anchors Sunday School children at St Clements Church and Sandwich Infant School's Fun Club.

The windows are located around Sandwich with the furthest away from the town centre being at Archer's Low Nursery.

Each day in December a new window in Sandwich is unveiled
Each day in December a new window in Sandwich is unveiled

Mrs Parker's project is now in its third year.

She started with 24 windows but now has 36 taking part.

She said: "The feedback has been absolutely brilliant.

"The brilliance of the Facebook page is that if people are vulnerable and can't get out and about, they can still enjoy pictures of the windows online.

"As a big salute to our amazing key workers who carry on supporting us, I've asked all of the participants this year to either hide or incorporate a rainbow into their display."

Read more: All the latest news from Sandwich

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