Newent Community School and the Newent Initiative have joined forces to organise an arts festival for the town.

The event will kick-off with the Dancing Through the Dean event on Saturday, July 9, from 11am to 5pm.

Different performers will take to the stage by the Market House every 30 minutes or so, ranging from a jive swing troupe to arabesque belly dancers.

Festival spokesman Nikki Starkie said: "The festival is aimed at all ages, with masses of family entertainment throughout the days, including puppet shows, magic shows, drumming, photography and art workshops.

"There will also be face painting, crafts and circus performers.

"Newent comes alive during the evenings with a selection of live music, cinema, poetry readings, guided walks and story-telling."

Newent Community School will host a number of exhibitions, including sculptures by John Wiskered and an A-level and AS-Level arts and textiles exhibition.

Top folk singer Johnny Coppin will be in concert at the school on Sunday, July 17, from 7.30pm, as the closing highlight.

Another highlight will be a major exhibition of modern studio glass at the Cowdy Gallery, featuring the work of 18 artists.

The work of infant and primary age children will be on display in the Memorial Hall on Saturday and Sunday, July 16-17, from 10am to 4pm.

Programmes are available now, from both Newent Library and the Tourist Information Centre.