Safety first as Dorset Arts Festival confirmed for Sculpture by the Lakes

Organisers are promising a 'safe and enjoyable experience' at the Dorset Arts Festival at Sculpture by the Lakes at Pallington, near Dorchester, from July 3 to 5.

This three day festival will showcase artists and makers in Dorset.

Whilst a number of large scale events across Dorset have been cancelled, the festival is going ahead because it will have a strict visitor cap and crowd control, paired with extensive social distancing set in a 26-acre outdoor venue.

Although the inaugural festival was in doubt, Sculpture by the Lakes has since been given government permission to open and the festival will take place as originally planned.

More than 40 artists and crafters from across Dorset will be exhibiting over the three days, with a number of workshops and demonstrations taking place. Artists will be creating artwork on-site in their individual temporary studios for visitors to watch from a safe distance, whilst a number of artists will be painting the picturesque scenes across Sculpture by the Lakes.

Guests can expect to watch paintings being created, pots being thrown, jewellery being made and a whole range of other arts and crafts disciplines.

The event is being organised by Simon and Monique Gudgeon, owners of Sculpture by the Lakes.

Simon Gudgeon said: “We’re very pleased to be bringing the inaugural Dorset Arts Festival to life in 2020. We deliberated over whether the festival should go ahead, but we’re confident that we can provide a very safe experience. It’s certainly not a mass gathering - we have sensible crowd control in place, acres of space and it will be easy for visitors to adhere to government guidelines around social distancing.

“Dorset Arts Festival will be a true celebration of Dorset’s expansive artistic talent. All of the artists exhibiting are incredibly talented and you’ll be able to watch them in action creating their masterpieces, which is not something you get to see everyday. We hope the festival will bring some welcome relief to those looking for an uplifting experience away from the crowds.”

Entry to the festival must be booked online via the Sculpture by the Lakes website to maintain social distancing between staff and visitors. The Gallery Cafe is operating an outdoor takeaway service and accepting contactless credit card payments only.

To find out more or to book tickets visit https://www.sculpturebythelakes.co.uk/dorset-arts-festival