Information on the nationwide arts and crafts campaign, UP FOR ARTS co-ordinated by Community Channel and Voluntary ARTS England will be available at the Bandstand, Market Square, Penrith on Saturday 11th August and at the Craft Fair in the Leisure Centre, Penrith on Sunday 12 August.

The events have been supported by the Penrith Market Town Initiative and Eden Arts and will provide an opportunity for everyone to enjoy the youthful musical talents of Razzamataz and BlueJam on the Saturday from 11am and watch local craftmakers demonstrate crafts from glass making to woodwork at the Craft Fair in Penrith Leisure Centre on the Sunday.

It's all about everyone and anyone seeking local arts and crafts opportunities. From painting to pottery, drama to dancing, there will be an organistion out there for you to join!. Whatever your background, qualifications or physical ability, you can meet new people, learn new skills and become involved in exciting projects and activities.

As part of the UP FOR ARTS campaign, a wide range of local community organisations involved have been encouraging people over 25 years-old with no formal qualifications or those living with a disability and/or long-term limiting illness, or from a Black Minority Ethnic community (specifically Bangladeshi, Pakistani or Chinese), to join in.

Mary Harris, the Voluntary Arts Project Co-ordinator working with Eden Arts said: : "There is amazing talent in the North West and people may be surprised at the number of exciting voluntary activities on offer in the region. Voluntary arts or crafts are a great way to try something new, have a go and have some fun".

Media enquiries: Mary Harris, Voluntary Arts Project Co-ordinator, Eden Arts, T: 07729 058405; E: voluntaryarts@btinternet.com.

Brian Bell, Campaigns Manager, Voluntary Arts England, T: 0191 230 4465/0789 113 2966; E: brian@vaengland.org.uk.