Harpenden is set to host its first festival celebrating the creative arts.

The Cultivate Arts Festival takes place next week over four days at a variety of locations across the town.

Running from Thursday, June 21 to Sunday, June 24, there will be exhibitions, concerts, art installations, plays, poetry readings, creative workshops and events for everyone to enjoy and get involved in.

The Cultivate Arts Festival is the brainchild of John Swain, from Harpenden Churches Together.

He said: “The idea came from a similar event I’d seen when on holiday.

“I was excited by the idea of people from across the town coming together to share their enthusiasm for the arts.

“The theme that runs through all our events is ‘Beauty, Order and Abundance’ – so you’re in for a treat.”

Some of the highlights of the programme include imaginative and exciting installations.

Enter the world of Narnia as the Methodist Church in the High Street is transformed into a wonderland.

There will be a ticketed promenade performance of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe on the Friday evening and two performances on the Saturday.

At St John’s Church in Southdown, an ambitious art installation will fill the space with colour and ribbons.

Based on the theme of the environment and our place within it, there will be an accompanying programme of inspiring walks, talks, music and wine.

In addition, a variety of art will be on show and on sale throughout the four days at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Rothamsted Avenue, and at Christ Church in Vaughan Road, with an art demonstration on the Saturday afternoon.

Try your hand at quilting at Cornelia’s Coffee Shop on the Saturday morning.

You can also join the dance performance and workshop at Christ Church on the Saturday afternoon or enjoy Harpenden Choral Society’s concert of sacred music in St Nicholas Church on the Saturday evening.

As a grand finale to the festival, there will be a music concert for everyone on Sunday evening at Our Lady of Lourdes.

Local artist Rory Browne is part of the organising team.

He said: “We are thrilled with the variety of events on offer.

“There is sure to be something for everyone.”

• To see the full programme of events, visit www.cultivate.me.uk