AN EVENT for guitar enthusiasts, musicians and music-lovers has been held in Wimborne.

Organised by Barry Cox, who works at Bryanston School, the Wimborne Guitar Festival saw visitors take part in workshops on August 9 and 10 including how to make their own guitars and write songs, with live music on an outdoor stage.

Barry said that the first event, which was held at the Allendale Centre last weekend, went so well that he is planning to make it an annual event.

He said: “I work with the children at the school to make their own guitars and I thought that maybe more people would be interested in learning how to do it.”

He added: “I’m hoping that in the future we can make this event a central hub for local guitar-making businesses, music companies and guitar fans from as far as Southampton to Weymouth. I just wanted to create something fun for everyone interested in guitars.”

Barry said that Absolute Music, based on Ringwood Road in Bournemouth, attended the festival and led workshops for children and adults, while Melvyn Hiscock, who has written books about making guitars, passed on tips and advice.

“I met so many nice and interesting people on the day, so I just hope that they enjoyed it.

“Thank you to everyone who helped and volunteered on the day or played music such as the headline acts, Willie and the Bandits, and the Basement Studio in Wimborne, which provided some acts.

“It’s been a year’s work and I look forward to bringing it back next year.”

For more information, go to wimborneguitarfestival.co.uk or go to facebook.com/pages/wimborne-guitar-festival.