THE wild beauty of the natural world was the spellbinding theme of a spectacular window light show which brought magic and a touch of theatre to the dark winter terraces of the Arboretum.

This year's Love the Arbo saw some wild and wonderful window light displays bring a little enchantment and a kaleidoscope of rich colours to brighten dark February days in the Arboretum.

Worcester News: ENTHRALLING: A window in Lower Chestnut Street ENTHRALLING: A window in Lower Chestnut Street (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

The 'Wild About Windows' displays, which ran between February 10 and 12, featured everything from birds in flight to exotic animals from far-off climes, including parrots and elephants, reflecting the richness and diversity of the community itself.

Each window became a mini theatre, an illuminated cabinet of curiosities for the community to explore and enjoy at its leisure.

Worcester News: 007: James Bond was the theme of this window in Arboretum 007: James Bond was the theme of this window in Arboretum (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

Some chose personal passions for themes - one family Phil Childs, 51, and Evan Childs, 14, created their own James Bond window while Xavi Malbas, eight, chose Minecraft as his inspiration. 

Worcester News: BIRDS: A window in Northfield Street in the Arboretum in Worcester BIRDS: A window in Northfield Street in the Arboretum in Worcester (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

The launch event, opened by the Mayor of Worcester, Cllr Louis Stephen, took place at Sansome Walk Baptist Church and included live performances.

Free workshops were put on in advance to help residents get the most out of their designs and people of all ages and backgrounds took part.

Worcester News: DEEP: This window in Barry Street makes you feel like you are swimming in a canal in Arboretum DEEP: This window in Barry Street makes you feel like you are swimming in a canal in Arboretum (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

Karen Lewing, one of the Green city councillors who helped fund the event, said: "It's bringing community through art."

Cllr Lewing, who went door to door to admire the windows, said the workshops saw people 'grow in confidence' as they created their designs, describing it as 'a wonderful experience' for all involved.

Worcester News: INSPIRING: Karen Lewing, one of the Green city councillors who funded Love the Arbo, next to one of the many spectacular window displays INSPIRING: Karen Lewing, one of the Green city councillors who funded Love the Arbo, next to one of the many spectacular window displays (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

Kate Cox, one of the six volunteer organisers, said 'Love the Arbo' was not a competition and was 'about participation and inclusivity', aimed at 'newbies' and 'stalwarts' alike. 

A Love the Arbo spokesperson said: " We'd like to thank everyone who took part this year to make the event special. We really are one community and proud of our diversity and creativity."

Worcester News: EXOTIC: The bright colours of wildlife from all over the world lends a new beauty to the streets of the Arboretum EXOTIC: The bright colours of wildlife from all over the world lends a new beauty to the streets of the Arboretum (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

Among those to take part was Cheryl Howard, 45, of Northfield Street who graduated in illustration and is particularly inspired by folk art, in this case, Russian dolls and the theme of motherhood.

"If I get the opportunity to create something, I really go for it," said Ms Howard.

Worcester News: YOUTH: This window with a Minecraft theme was created by eight-year-old Xavi Malbas YOUTH: This window with a Minecraft theme was created by eight-year-old Xavi Malbas (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

Chris Crosswell, a former theatre designer by trade, captured the magic of birds in flight, including some local landmarks (the Worcester railway bridge over the canal) to give a sense of place.

Jo Dunn of Lower Chestnut Street said foxes were regular visitors and this was reflected in her window together with swifts, the perfect accompaniment to the swift boxes fitted to her home two months ago.

"The swift boxes really inspired me - Arboretum residents are really trying to encourage them to come back," she said.

Worcester News: LUNAR: A spectacular lunar scene on a window in Arboretum LUNAR: A spectacular lunar scene on a window in Arboretum (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

Love the Arbo is an annual community event where the Arboretum residents brighten up their windows with creations to make a magical light trail around the streets.

Performances on the Saturday launch night came from Deathly Pale Party, Vamos Theatre, The Volcano Choir and Steve Kaos and Solo Circus.

Worcester News: UPLIFTING: Swifts in flight over the rooftops of the Arboretum is the subject of this window display UPLIFTING: Swifts in flight over the rooftops of the Arboretum is the subject of this window display (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

This year the event was partnered with the City Museum and Art Gallery who projected onto the building this year.

Worcester News: THEATRE: The launch of Love the Arbo was a sight to behold with plenty of live performances to entertain the crowds THEATRE: The launch of Love the Arbo was a sight to behold with plenty of live performances to entertain the crowds (Image: Supplied by Kate Cox)

Love the Arbo is a community-led, community-created event, running since 2019.

This year it is funded by Sanctuary Housing Community Investment, City and County Council support from Matthew Jenkins, Karen Lewing, and Worcester City Council, and material donations from Asda Community Fund.