Entries are now being sought for one of the east of England's top art prizes.

Eastern Daily Press: Last year. Eileen Cooper (black dress) with Frances Blythe and winning entry_The Photographers Gallery. Picture: Holt festivalLast year. Eileen Cooper (black dress) with Frances Blythe and winning entry_The Photographers Gallery. Picture: Holt festival (Image: Copyright:Rodney Smith)

The winner of the Holt Festival-Sir John Hurt Art Prize will receive £1,750 and their entry will also be exhibited at Norwich's Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts.

The Holt Festival, which runs from Saturday, July 20 to Sunday, July 27, is an exuberant week of international music, drama, visual art, dance, comedy and children's and family events.

This year the festival has also announced a new prize specifically aimed at younger artists.

The Sworders Art Prize is open to artists between 16 and 23. It carries a prize of £750 for the winner, who will also be offered a commission-free exhibition by Holt's new contemporary art space The Gallery in Lees Yard.

Both prizes are open to artists everywhere and the closing date for entries is midnight Sunday, June 16. Full submission details can be found at www.holtfestival.org

The winners will be announced at a private view on the evening of Sunday, July 21.

All shortlisted works will be displayed in a free exhibition in the Auden Theatre Foyer throughout Festival week, between 11am-5pm.

The exhibition is part of the Holt Festival Art Trail that also takes in many other galleries and exhibition spaces around the town.

Last year's Sir John Hurt Art Prize was won by Norfolk artist Frances Blythe whose oil on canvas painting Sunset was unanimously selected by the judges.

Fine Art Director at the Festival James Glennie, of Arts and Antiques Appraisals, has also confirmed that after a successful inaugural year, Holt Festival Open Studios will return. Artists and craftsmen from around north Norfolk will be inviting the public into their studios, from Friday, July 25 to Sunday, July 27, from 11am to 5pm. Artists wishing to take part should also register at www.holtfestival.org before midnight on Sunday, June 16 or email openstudios@holtfestival.org.

Mr Glennie said: 'We are delighted that we are adding several new features to the popular fine art programme this year. We shall be revealing further innovations when the full festival programme is announced on April 30.'