LIGHTS will be shining bright in Ashton Keynes this evening for the first night of Window Wanderland.

Fifty-five homes, venues and local businesses are taking part in the event that sees them illuminate their front windows with eye-catching displays to create a "magical walking trail" around the village.

Funded by the Big Lottery Celebrate Programme the event is being organised by Ashton Keynes Church of England Primary School.

It kicks off at 5.30pm when headteacher of the school Samantha Saville will switch on the school's display, followed by the other 54 displays throughout the village.

Residents were asked to create a window display that could be seen from the street that represents and shares something about them, such as brightly coloured tissue paper flowers if they love gardening, sailing boats if they spend their weekends on the lakes, or if they have a dog, they could make silhouettes of their pet. Homeowners were also encouraged to put their fairy lights back up, hang up a favourite dress they never get to wear, leaving a book on the table, or their favourite film on the TV.

"All of these tell a story and people looking into these windows will start conversations, create connections, and this is what Window Wanderland is about," said a spokesman for the event.

"Everyone is invited to walk around the village to enjoy our very own street exhibition. Pick up a map from the Village Shop, The White Hart, or from Ashton Keynes C of E Primary School and wander the illuminated streets at your leisure."

Displays can be found in streets around Ashton Keynes including Back Street, Oakleaze, Church Walk, Happy Land, Ashfield, Dairy Farm, Gosditch and Fore Street.

For a full list of the venues taking part visit www.windowwanderland.com/event/ashton-keynes-2017.