HEAR a song about Bridport to coincide with a JMW Turner painting of Bridport being on display in the town.

It will be played in public for the first time at an evening of music and readings at Bridport Town Hall on Friday, August 16 from 7.30pm.

David Powell's song, Bridport Harbour, celebrates the town's links across the Atlantic.

He said: "We have been inspired by the exhibition of Turner’s painting to look at what Bridport was like at the time. We have some fascinating insights to share and some rousing songs."

A Sketch of the West Country Coast in Story and Song will see Gail McGarva joined by local singers Penny Dunscombe and Diana Takezoe to present the story of boat building on the coast. In the second half members of the Bride Valley Band and Tinkers Cuss will join forces with reader Debra Bates to present an evening of words and music about the West Country coast inspired by Turner. There will be plenty of choruses to join in with.

On the day of the evening of music and readings, Friday, August 16 and the day before, Thursday, August 15, Gail McGarva will be on the forecourt of Bridport Arts Centre with her Story Boat - the acclaimed miniature maritime museum.

At various times over the two days she will be joined by musicians providing music to celebrate the area’s seafaring history.

A Sketch of the West Country Coast in Story and Song, Friday, August 16. Tickets are available from Bridport TIC priced at £8. A bar is available.