This year's Ashby's FABulous event is set to be bigger and better than ever, according to organisers.

The annual shop front display takes place each Autumn and often features 'live' models wearing fancy dress in shop windows.

Ashby's FABulous takes place on Saturday, October 1 this year and features entertainment, face painting and competitions as well as the shops taking part.

It will be the first time the event has taken place without the Covid restrictions of the past two years - and organisers plan to make the most of it.

With Ashby BID now helping to fund it, it is hoped that people will come into the town centre and have a day out.

Last year, the theme was All Around The World, reminding people of the travels they had been missing out on during the pandemic.

But this time, it will be 'Enchanted Ashby - Fairytales and Fables'.

Last year, town centre shops joined in the All Around The World travel theme. Photo: Ashby Nub News

Visitors will also be encouraged to take photos and share them online with the hashtags #AshbysFabulous #loveashby #ashbybid.

Emma Clarke, one of the event organisers, told Ashby Nub News: "Now, more than ever, the town needs to come together collectively to really push this.

"I'm hoping as many traders and businesses as possible will be taking part.

"It''s important now to show that Ashby is open for business, we need to show everyone what we have here.

"We want people to stop and look in the windows and see for themselves.

"Normally, you might walk past a shop several times a day and not notice what they're selling.

"Something might catch your eye."

This year's theme is designed to allow Ashby businesses to use their imaginations on the day.

Emma added: "Fairytales and Fables means you can think about all things magical.

"Your imagination can run away with you. All manner of elements you can take for your business.

"We'll be doing a fairytale trail as well. Children will be able to enter that and find clues in the shops.

"It'll be mystical and fun for everyone. We'll have a gazebo in Market Street and be using that as a base.

"We'll be promoting the Ashby Gift Card from there as well.

"People can come into town and have their faces painted for free, we'll also have fairytale-based stiltwalkers wandering about town.

"We'll be using places like The Courtyard and The Mews as well, we want everybody to feel involved.

The Big Phone Box Photo Booth will be back for Ashby's FABulous

"There'll also be a singer, and Ashby Venture Theatre also wants to get involved this year.

"They'll be doing a couple of mini-performances on the day.

"Ashby Arts Festival will also be involved - and we'll have the Big Phone Box photo booth which was a massive hit at the Ashby Big Weekend.

"People can follow updates on the Ashby FABulous Facebook page."

Emma added that the organisation behind this year's event has encouraged more businesses to get involved.

She said: "Some of those who didn't take part last year are well up for it this time as we all appreciate the town needs to put something on that puts us on the map.

"It raises a smile, and it's a feelgood thing for the staff who can dress up for the day - and a morale boost at the same time."