AFTER a gap of three years, ArtFest North is back - "bigger and better than before," say organisers Rosie Wates and Tina Balmer.

Kendal Town Hall will open its doors on July 23-24 to artists and galleries from across the country to display and sell their work to the public.

“It’s a highlight of the summer for artists in the South Lakes,” explains Rosie. “We got around 1,500 visitors last time, and that’s a pretty impressive buying public.”

Applications for the major art gathering open this week with a call to ceramic artists, painters, printmakers, jewellers, sculptors, photographers and any other form of art to take part with 53 stands and tables available.

A panel of leading figures from the region's art scene will select from the submissions to guarantee a high-quality display and a wide variety of art forms. The first ArtFest, opened by Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron, was held in July 2013 and generated more than £25,000 in sales.

“In 2013 we had artists from from Scotland, Yorkshire, the Midlands right down to the south coast of England” adds Tina. “Clearly this is a big opportunity for local artists to exhibit alongside other successful artists from around Britain.”

“As well as direct sales, the first ArtFest North led directly to a number of exhibiting opportunities for artists as many galleries visited over the weekend,” continues Rosie: “I know that artists also valued the networking opportunities.

"ArtFest North is open to artists of all disciplines, guaranteeing a wide range work for the visitor to discover."

Applicants are invited via Artfest North’s website at artfestnorth.co.uk.