ORGANISERS have thanked Bridport residents for their positive reaction to the first three weeks of events as part of Bridport - 24, Town of Culture.

As previously reported, Bridport is the first town to be named as Dorset's Town of Culture and events will continue until December, celebrating arts and culture in the town.

The cultural celebration began with a host of events at Bridport Arts Centre forecourt and a sold out night with esteemed reggae record label Greensleeves Records performing at the arts centre.

Residents took part in The Portrait Challenge where members of the public painted pictures of their neighbours, many meeting for the first time.

Michael Armstrong, co-producer of Bridport 2024 said: "The reaction has been really positive.

"The community's willingness to climb on board and get involved has been amazing.

"The portrait competition was fantastic, passing strangers could pick up some charcoal and have a go.

"It was lovely to see people coming together, sitting down and drawing each other."

The Town of Culture Initiative for Young Adults (TOCIYA) has now been established as a group for young people to get involved with Bridport 2024.

The group delivered their inaugural event on July 7, which saw the young adults deliver a varied event of performance, art and music.

TOCIYA will curate and programme a new event under the St.Michael’s Vintage Market banner throughout the coming months. 

A stage will be put up in Askers Meadow to allow local performers and groups to use during the next month.

The temporary structure will be in place from Thursday, August 15 until Monday, September 30.

The building of the stage itself will be part of the programme of events, celebrating Bridport's rich craft history.

Launching this weekend, The Bridport Pavilion of Regenerative Practices will celebrate the craft culture of the area.

Designed and made in concert with Bridport's creative youth including TOCIYA, the temporary structure set in Askers Meadow, will be made from materials grown locally and facilitated by craftspeople working in the area.

A stage, shelter and seating will be created through 'design + build’ sessions starting July 26.

A programme of events for the stage, including talks and music to be announced in August. 

Mr Armstrong added: "This will give the community groups somewhere to host events and give a platform for lesser-heard voices.

"We also hope it can be used by the Bridport Youth Centre."