ARTS lovers across Somerset are getting ready for a nine-day feast of the arts, with the arrival this month of the 10 Parishes Festival, which runs from September 8-16 in and around Wiveliscombe.

With over 150 art and community events, artists and craftspeople will be exhibiting at a wide variety of open studios and galleries, and all kinds of community arts events are planned.

"There's a fantastic wealth of artistic talent in this area and this third 10 Parishes Festival is more exciting than ever with over 100 artists, craftspeople and performers taking part," said Pauline Homeshaw, festival director.

"It's a wonderful chance to see all kinds of art and for people to also come along and have a great deal of fun."

A 42-page Festival Guide gives a detailed rundown on every event and artist, and it's been designed to keep afterwards as a complete reference directory of the many artists and craftspeople working throughout the year in the 10 Parishes area around Wiveliscombe.

Visitors are expected to top 9,000 at this major biennial event in Wiveliscombe and the nine surrounding parishes.

As well as open studios and galleries, workshops and demonstrations in all forms, there will be a Festival Market on Saturday September 15 in Wiveliscombe when the town centre will close to traffic.

Other community events around the ten parishes include creative writing workshops with writer and teacher Briony Goffin, ceilidhs, barbecues and breakfasts, musical tea parties and more.

An entire Festival of Silent Cinema complete with live music will also be part of the 10 Parishes Festival, with films ranging from thrillers to comedy; Civic Trust Heritage Open Days will focus on fascinating buildings normally closed during the year; plus there will be theatre and music from many sources including Taunton Thespians to the nationally acclaimed Demon Barbers close harmony group.

For further information please visit contact 01984-624564.

Guides are available from the Wiveliscombe Community Office, libraries, shops and Tourist Information Centres.