A FESTIVAL of arts is coming to Northwich in July, and it will go on for the whole of the month.

The month-long event is a collaboration between Northwich Art Shop, Visual Arts Cheshire and Northwich BID.

As well as an amazing arts trail around the town centre, that will see displays in dozens of businesses, there will also be workshops for all ages and abilities to learn more.

Alan Carr, from Visual Arts Cheshire, who leads on the Art Trail said: “We’ve had more than 150 pieces of art submitted this year, which has been a bumper response.

“We also have, courtesy of Barons Quay, a workshop and exhibition space in a unit opposite Wildwood.

It is in the space, where the public can get a real hands-on experience of many different artistic styles.”

Phil Bower, who owns Northwich Art Shop on Witton Street said the event was a way to allow people to go out and have some fun.

He said: “The event that underpins the whole festival is the arts trail, which is now its tenth year.

“That runs through the town centre, and there are 38 participating retailers.

“The range of workshops in our special exhibition space will be free to users, but they will need to book tickets in advance,” he added.

“We’ve got quite a disparate range of opportunities for people.

“Right the way from basic pencil sketch workshops through to print making, pottery and sculpture.

“The idea is to give people an opportunity to have a go.

“And it’s for all ages too – we have no bar on anybody being involved, and that’s what’s really important.”

The Festival of Arts will begin on July 1 and it will run until July 30, culminating in a Summer Outdoor Arts Market in Apple Market Place. Adam Gerrard, BID Project Manager added:

“We’ve got 18 individual artists and makers at that event,”

“It’s definitely something for the whole family.

“The way our town centre businesses get behind the events taking place through the Festival of Arts is fantastic, with so many offering prime window space to host local art pieces.

For more information and to make bookings for the workshops go to: https://visitnorthwich.co.uk/foa/