A celebration of arts and community is being staged later this month at Shipdham All Saints' Church, and everyone is welcome to become involved.Now in its sixth year, the weekend-long Shipdham Art Festival involves selected artists and craftspeople, musicians and the local school in a varied and informative programme.

A celebration of arts and community is being staged later this month at Shipdham All Saints' Church, and everyone is welcome to become involved.

Now in its sixth year, the weekend-long Shipdham Art Festival involves selected artists and craftspeople, musicians and the local school in a varied and informative programme.

Festival chairman Kerry Buck said: 'The church should be a big part of a community; people should feel welcome to visit. I hope holding such an event as the festival in All Saints' Church will encourage those who wouldn't normally visit to drop in, have a look at the art, have a coffee and take some time to appreciate this beautiful building.'

Open from Friday, October 30 to Sunday, November 1 between 10am and 4pm, the festival will include an exhibition of selected artists including paintings, printmaking, sculpture

and ceramics.

On the Friday there is a drawing day tutored by Elizabeth Mace, and an evening performance of Mark's Gospel by Lance Pierson.

Saturday sees the ever-popular craft fair and an evening performance from the Festival All Stars, a Dixieland jazz band. The church is open as usual on the Sunday, with the exhibition running all day.

Caf� Saint runs throughout the weekend and is becoming known for its homemade cakes.

Also on show will be a flock of model sheep wandering around the church leaving evidence (raisins) behind them. The sheep were made by children at the Thomas Bullock Primary School in Shipdham and they have already been seen at this year's Royal Norfolk Show.

For ticket details contact Lesley Buck on 01362 820127 and for further details go to www.shipdhamartexhibition.co.uk