THE hundreds of people who attended a celebration of Forest arts recently shows there is a real appetite for this type of event, say the organisers.

More than 600 people were drawn to the ArtsJab festival in Bream organised by the Forest Creative Canopy.

Inspired by the success of the event, which based at the West Dean Centre and Bream Library, Creative Canopy is planning to take the concept to Cinderford, Coleford and Newent over the next 18 months.

Despite heavy rain on the day of the event, which took place on Saturday, October 2, the parade of banners went ahead as planned.

The parade of 70 people, led by a drumming band, carried banners made by the community in workshops run by Wyldwood Arts.

Children from Bream Church of England Primary and Parkend School braved the rain in their colourful masks inspired by Greek myths and flora and fauna.

The masks had been made in workshops run by local artist Sara Rickard, the volunteer project manager with Canopy.

The day included workshops giving visitors the opportunity to try different arts techniques and performances from local groups including the Bream-based Oh Crumbs! spoken word group, the Last Thursday Music Club, Engage Circus Skills from Cinderford and the Forest of Dean Male Voice Choir.

here was also a display of work by members of the Forest of Dean Camera Club, poetry readings and book signings by local authors Ian Hendy, Ian Wright and Andy Seed.

A Canopy spokeswoman said: "The excitement, energy and sheer joy of artsJab reflected the real hunger there is in the Forest for the arts, artists, arts organisations and communities to come together.

"It was a true testament to the resilience and creativity of the communities of Bream and the wider Forest.