ARTISTS helped people get creative and gain first-hand experience in pottery, printworks and even fruit and vegetable carvings.

More than a dozen artists gave up their time to run a wide range of workshops at Brightlingsea WinterFest’s arts and crafts weekend.

Anne Fitzgerald, WinterFest publicity officer, said: “The two-day event attracted more than 500 people offering activities, which include all kinds of arts and crafts, from photography and paper making to textile art and Thai decorative carving.

“There was even a chance to learn how to make a chainmail bracelet.”

Brightlingsea-based artist Julie Taylor-Lange organised the weekend, which is one of the highlights of the month-long WinterFest.

Julie herself ran a painting and drawing workshop and, with the spirit of WinterFest’s wellbeing message in mind, she says her sessions included “warm-up meditation techniques to help find a quiet space in your mind”.

“We are extremely grateful to all the artists and WinterFest volunteers who are giving their time and their talents to make the weekend a success,” said Julie.

“As well as the workshops we had drop-in sessions including rock and shell painting and making greetings cards.”

The events were held at the Brightlingsea Sailing Club.

The festival will conclude on February 29 with a comedy night at The Rosebud on Hurst Green.

For further information, including dates and locations for the events, visit www.brightlingseawinterfest.co.uk.

Alternatively anyone interested can search for Brightlingsea Winter Fest on Facebook.