ORIENTAL creativity drew in the crowds for Weymouth and Portland's first Chinese workshop.
Almost 300 people, aged between two and 90, signed up for a day of activities at Weymouth Pavilion to herald the start of the borough's Chinese Festival this week.
Lesley Williams, organiser and workshop co-ordinator, said: "The whole point of the workshops was to highlight the different cultures because 18 per cent of our population here is Chinese."
The event was organised by the borough council and Sea Palace Chinese Restaurant.
Alex Grant, an artist from Salisbury, taught participants how to make silk banners, while stalls around the Ocean Room offered face painting, dragon-making and origami lessons. Chefs from the Sea Palace gave visitors samples of speciality dishes. Mrs Williams added: "We were overwhelmed by the success of the workshop. I am hoping we will be able to hold another one next year."
From Friday the Pavilion theatre will host four nights of music from Beijing band Sweet Doll East who are making their first UK appearance at Weymouth's Chinese Festival. The Sea Palace will be providing a Chinese buffet in the Ocean Room.
Tickets are available through the Pavilion theatre box office on 01305 783225.
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