ARTS lovers will be flocking to the Old Town Hall in Weymouth this weekend to mark the launch of an exciting cultural festival.

Speakers, music, workshops and a scrap metal challenge are lined up for the free Dorset Loves Arts event.

It is a new campaign running throughout September designed to promote participation in the arts to improve quality of life.

With the theme of Stop, Look and Listen, the idea is to get Dorset residents to check out the creative opportunities around them.

Saturday’s event is a showcase of the best of what Dorset has to offer.

Town hall guardian Martin Hedley is thrilled the historic venue has been selected to host the event.

The hall will be changed into an art and heritage centre by an enthusiastic band of volunteers who have won business and community support.

Mr Hedley said: “This is about arts organisations getting together and working on projects.

“This is important in the light of government cuts which have seen organisations lose core funding.

“The Old Town Hall has been leading by example by using voluntary support to get things done and I understand that’s why we were picked to host the launch.”

The event will start with a speech from Roderick Knight, chairman of the Dorset Strategic Partnership’s arts and culture theme group.

Music will be provided by Weymouth artists Bebe and Paolo, Mad Ox Brothers and Amy Brown, while Lyme Regis poet Louisa Adjoa Parker will be reading some of her work.

Visitors can try their hand at throwing a pot, painting fossils and belly dancing.

Also dropping in will be Lucy the scrap metal stegosaurus who appeared in the Weymouth Carnival procession.

The sculpture was made by staff from Mowlem Metalcraft and they will be around on the day running the Scrap Metal Sculpture Challenge, creating a new artwork from donated pieces of metal.

A knitting circle led by Sophie Sherwood will give some demonstrations plus there will be a display of glass jewellery and a fascinating look at the seaside through the use of sound.

A trophy will be presented to the person who makes the best cake inspired by a work of art.

There will be a barbecue and Dorset ales available throughout the day courtesy of the Boot Inn across the road.

The launch of Dorset Loves Arts will be at the Old Town Hall from 10am-4pm.

Visit: www.dorsetlovesarts.org