ARTISTS, shop owners and business people looked picture perfect as they gathered to launch Basildon’s first-ever art trail.

Creative experts met at Basildon’s Eastgate Centre to kick off the scheme which will see the route set up in the town for a five-day period, in September.

The event will see professional artists, who live or work in Basildon, Billericay and Wickford, showing off their work at different venues across the district, including shops and eateries.

The Art Trail is expected to see droves of culture lovers from all over the region flock to the district to peruse the work, from Thursday, September 16, to Monday, September 20.

Visual artist Dean Smith, who runs a studio at Barleylands Craft Village, in Billericay, was inspired to organise the event after last year’s Essex Summer of Art, which brought together similar trails around the county.

He said: “The Essex event listed many art trails which were going on across the country, in different villages and towns. But there were none in Basildon.

“I remember feeling very disappointed about this, as we have so much to offer.

“That’s why I wanted to organise our own Art Trail for this year.”

Mr Smith said several shops in Billericay High Street, Basildon’s Eastgate Centre, which is sponsoring the trail, and several Wickford venues would be exhibiting work.

He added: “We have a lot of talent in this district when it comes to all forms of art, not just traditional painting.

“Just look at Keith Chapman, who created Bob the Builder, as well as the artists behind the Old Man Stan puppets and Dave Chapple, the Woodsman sculptor.

“Many people in Basildon will see works of art every day, which inspires them at places across the district, but may not even realise they have been created by local people.

“The Art Trail will give our artists a platform and will bring many enthusiasts to the area.

“It’s great so much interest has been shown in getting this project off the ground. It’s something we hope will become an annual event.”

For more information about the Art Trail, call Mr Smith on 01268 522973.