Bid to include whole town centre in arts festival

Mr Wilson’s Second Liners were among acts and artists which brought the festival beyond the castle to Tamworth town centre

An annual arts festival is on course to spread across a town centre after a successful weekend, organisers have said.

Art of Tamworth brought workshops, music and street art to the castle grounds and surrounding venues on Saturday and Sunday.

Vic Brown, from art group New Urban Era (Nue) said: “Art of Tamworth has been another huge success and took a step closer to becoming a town centre-wide event.

"Our vision is to create a festival that is inclusive to everyone and this year’s event provided an important opportunity to help us achieve our aims," he said.

Bicycle piano and double bass duo Rimski and Handkerchief were among performers

The line-up included music from Mr Wilson's Second Liners, who describe themselves as "New Orleans meets 90s club classics".

The band roamed Tamworth, bringing music to pub-goers and shoppers.

Bicycle piano and double bass duo Rimski and Handkerchief also entertained visitors to the town centre.

"There is nothing better than seeing your community enjoying themselves and it was in abundance at the weekend," Mr Brown added.

Mr Brown said organising partners had helped support the group's vision and funding included grants from the Commonwealth Inclusive Community Fund and Arts Council England.

The festival included a fashion show by Up Creative, an arts group with a base in Ankerside shopping centre, trapeze displays and a range of workshops, including in breakdancing and chalk art.

Helen Waite, from Up Creative, said the event provided a platform for creative collaboration across different mediums which "makes arts accessible and allows us to inspire the next generation of talented artists, improves social isolation and encourages community cohesion".