THE Purbeck Art Weeks (PAW) Festival starts next month, (May) and this year's theme is 'Flights of Fancy'.

A wide variety of exhibitions, concerts, talks and artists' open studios are set to take place, during the annual festival which is loosely inspired by the 500th anniversary of the death of Leonardo da Vinci for 2019.

Thousands of visitors are expected to travel to Purbeck for the fortnight-long event.

Festival trustee and spokesman Charlotte Heath said: "PAW is growing. More artists than ever are throwing open the doors of their studios and welcoming visitors.

"This is your opportunity to meet and talk to the artists about how they do what they do and what inspires them, as well as enjoy their work on display.

"There are new artists to discover and regular artists to revisit – and an inspiringly rich array of paintings, sculptures, photography, ceramics, jewellery, glass work and mosaics, graphics, textile art and more."

The main exhibition, at Rollington Barn, near Corfe Castle, will showcase work from around 100 artists taking part in the this year's festival.

Charlotte said: "This exhibition can provide an ideal jumping off point for new artists, who will often show their work here for the first time.

"Becoming an artist and showing your work can often be a daunting experience. Come and discover them here."

PAW Festival will open with the Gabrieli Consort, with brass ensemble and timpani, with choral music at Lady St Mary Church in Wareham.

Visit purbeckartweeks.co.uk to book tickets of for further information about the festival.

Festival brochures, costing £2, will be available from outlets across Purbeck.