Arts festival sets sail for bumper year

ONE of East Lothian's biggest festivals swings into action tomorrow with a record turnout expected to mark its sixth year.

The 3 Harbours Arts Festival - hosted in the communities of Prestonpans, Cockenzie and Port Seton - boasts more than 100 venues, 100 artists and is expected to attract around 30,000 visitors throughout the eight-day outdoor event.

A highlight of the county's arts calendar, the popularity of the festival - which includes visual art, music, literature and photography events - has soared since it was launched in 2005 and this year organisers have announced another bumper programme.

A prominent but unusual exhibition space incorporated into festivities this year is Cockenzie Power Station. More than 150 artworks are being showcased in the venue, which has the largest annual mixed media exhibition in East Lothian. Resident artists exhibiting include well-known figurative artist Damian Callan, Jenny Pope, of Edinburgh Ceramic Studio, and Mark I'Anson.

There will be a chance to meet the artists and buy an original work of art at a preview exhibition tonight from 5.30pm.

Another recurring feature of the festival is the popular photowalk, a walkway of images which combines portraits by experienced and novice photographers capturing the mix of vibrancy of the festivals and everyday life of the region.

Cuthill Park in Prestonpans hosts the fifth annual Mural Fest, with six muralists drawing and painting works inspired by the poem Scary Haven by Prestoungrange poet laureate John Lindsay.

Culinary creations will also be available at the Coastal Food Fair offering the "best from Edinburgh and East Lothian".

Well-fed visitors can then wander the Open Houses Trail, viewing artwork and meeting the artists in the comfort of a home in Cockenzie and Port Seton.

More traditional art venues - the Seashore Gallery, Cockenzie, and the Harbour Gallery, Port Seton - will also provide an eclectic range of artwork.

A 3 Harbours spokesman said: "Communities within the 3 Harbours area are noted for their passionate community spirit. They volunteer throughout the year and are committed to this part of the coast they live in. Schools, community centres, libraries, community groups, art clubs and individuals all take an active part in the festival.

"This is only a taste of the activities in the area, there are many more and we would encourage visitors to take the time to visit their events."

Andrew Crummy, chair of the festival, said: "We have more artists and more stations that ever before. Everything is just that little bit bigger than last year. It's more established now and is more trusted but it's taken six years to get to this stage. The idea is to keep it up each year - we are the biggest festival in East Lothian numbers wise."

The 3 Harbours Arts Festival runs from May 28 to June 5.