Arts scene continues to flourish as seaside village hosts festival

Poster artist Peter Drew, second from right, presents the original of his winning painting to the Vicar of St John's Church, the Rev Ian MacKarill. Picture by Terry Collinson

As in previous years, the 2016 Alnmouth Arts Festival saw the whole village used to showcase the work of artists, creators and craftspeople from ‘twixt Tyne and Tweed.

Running on Saturday and Sunday, the event hosted 75 artists and local art groups this year at a variety of venues.

Venue guides being sold by Gordon Inkster and Dorothea Sinton. Picture by Terry Collinson

This was also the fifth year that the poster and programme image for the festival has been selected through a competition run in the Gazette. This year’s winner was Peter Drew, with his striking black and white image.

As well as the art exhibits, there were also activities in Pease’s Park, music and dance performances, food and drink on sale and a chance to see the Alnmouth community skiff.

A statement from the organisers said: ‘The 12th annual Alnmouth Arts Festival is now over and the festival committee would like to thank all the people who attended over the weekend, the participating artists, all of those who allowed us to use their venues and all of the volunteers who gave up their time to help the festival run so smoothly.

‘We were lucky to have good weather after poor weather all week leading up to the festival and we hope you all enjoyed the event’.