Region-wide arts trail celebrates 20th anniversary

An annual arts trail that has more than quadrupled in size since it started is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

The Severn Vale Arts Trail featured just 20 artists in 2006 but it currently has 85 across all of its venues from Sharpness, Gloucestershire, in the north, to Frampton Cotterell, South Gloucestershire, in the south.

It was set up to support local craftspeople and give members of the public the chance to see and buy a range of works from artists' own studios, including paintings, ceramics, jewellery, upholstery and woodturning.

Trail founder Barbara Ray said she was "immensely proud" of what the five-day event had achieved in that time.

"I wanted to make a much more inclusive visual side of the festival and the Open Studios movement was just picking up at that time," she said.

"We don't receive any external funding now and the trail is run entirely by volunteers who simply believe passionately that local artists need a platform on which to showcase their work."

The trail has expanded and organisers said it showcased a wider spectrum of works than ever before.

In 2026, it will highlight the work of Ukrainian artists living in the region.

Nadya Webster, an upholsterer from Thornbury, said the event was important to artists in the area.

"It brings people to artists' studios and workshops so visitors can see artists at work and get to know them," she said.

"The main two hubs are in Thornbury and Berkeley and there are many artists sharing venues like churches and village halls.

"This year, I have lots of beautiful chairs on show and I'm doing some demonstrations in upholstery and in chair caning.

"My passion is heritage crafts, using specialist techniques to upholster refurbished chairs."

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