ALCESTER held its first ever arts festival at the weekend.

Many artists from Alcester and the surrounding villages showcased their talent at various venues throughout the town.

Sam Rath, chairman of Alcester Chamber of Trade and Commerce, said: “The festival was in overall terms a success, we had a busy Saturday particularly in the late morning with car parks getting close to being full, which is how we judge how busy we have been.

“Sunday was quieter as expected but it was a lovely day with families meandering through the town looking at the artists at work.

“With all Operation Footfall projects the activities have to be sustainable and so we intend to run this again but with more artists and with a broader more appealing competition across all age ranges and mediums including photography, mosaics etc.

“We are exploring the option of running workshops in the build up to weekend and art displayed in a main town venue, will also ask businesses to display work by certain artists to ensure we engage with our amazing high street.”

As part of the run up to the two day event, children were offered a chance to take part in an art competition.

They were asked create a picture on the theme of summer holidays, using whatever they liked, with the winners receiving £50 worth of materials from Alcester-based paper and print specialist company PSW.

They were asked to submit the drawings at Globe house or the library before Tuesday 26.

The competition winners, Sofie Bell, eight, Bethan Clarke,10, and Lily Bell,11, were announced during the event.

All other entries were commended by the judges for their ‘excellent standard.’