Southwold's first arts festival was launched in style during an art exhibition at Buckenham Galleries in High Street.

Despite tough competition from the Wimbledon final and the hot sunshine, the event last weekend still managed to draw a good crowd of people eager to see the paintings, etching and sketches of Southwold scenes.

The festival will take place from June 21 to 28 next year and will include musical concerts, theatre productions, art exhibitions, poetry recitals, a street fair and other activities organised by local groups and organisations.

The launch weekend got under way with a private event at Buckenham Galleries on Friday night, when Southwold brewer Adnams was announced as the main sponsor. During the evening, the festival organisers gave thanks to Suffolk County Councillor Michael Ladd for supporting the festival through his locality budget, Buckenham Galleries for giving over the space for the exhibition, Spring Agency for the logo and website design and Southwold Town Council for a development grant.

The exhibition was open to the public throughout the weekend and on Monday. Festival organisers were on hand to speak to people interested in being involved in the event next year and a spokesman said several volunteers had already come forward.

For more information about the festival, or to offer support, contact Chris Ure on 01502 725793 or Simon Tobin on 07796 402519.