THE countdown has started for the Leigh Art Trail, which is returning this year in a new ‘late summer’ two week slot, bringing you a jam-packed programme of works, from paintings, to ceramics, photography to sculpture.

The event will take place from September 4 to 19, where a plethora of artists will be exhibiting across many local businesses and venues which line the streets of Leigh.

A spokesman from the trail, said: “Our artists can’t wait to share their work with you again after the disappointment of last year’s cancellation.

“More than 70 painters, ceramicists, photographers, sculptors and embroiderers will take over more than 50 venues across Leigh as our wonderful town bounces back.”

Artists this year include Alison Bournes, who will be exhibited her stunning display of ceramic heads, in a show titled Guardians. The heads “embody Essex gardens of the past”.

Other artists and art include landscape paintings of Leigh and abstracted reflections of the Thames Estuary by Sue Allen; mixed media and watercolour which ‘tells visual stories and celebrates the natural world’ by Claire Bartlett, ‘street art indoors’ by spray-can artist Scotty Brave, multimedia work by Karen Christensen; art and illustrations “inspired by folk and fairy tales and other stories of magic, mystery and wonder” by Emma Devine, and lots more!

The Leigh Art Trail was established in 1997 as a non-profit making, artists’ organisation, which aims to “promote the artistic talents of its members, guest artists and the wider Leigh community”.

The LAT Association self-funds through members’ subscription fees, commissions on members’ sales, and a small bursary from Leigh Town Council.

In January, the LAT raised £1,300 through its first Virtual Market, which saw the town’s creative talent come together to support a charity for local families who were hit hard by the coronavirus crisis.

Organisers of the trail include Wendy Scotland, chairperson; Emma Bell, director; Jo Holbrook, branding; Mark Taylor, publicity; Joe Scotland, publicity and social media; Paul Alcock, street decoration, the Seven Creative, secret auction coordinators; Nicola Trevena, schools’ art coordinator; Julie Parker and Natasha Otanez, children’s art trail.