Newent Arts Festival is starting to take shape after a open day to give townspeople a say in the event's line-up.

Organisers held the open day at the library on Tuesday and will now sift through the ideas offered at a meeting on February 21.

Spokesman Nikki Starkie said: "This is an exercise in democracy. The open day was a chance for people to tell us what they want to see."

The festival will be launched on Friday, July 7, at a special event still to be planned. However, some plans have already been made for Saturday and Sunday, July 8-9, including the popular Dancing through the Dean displays in the town centre.

There is likely to be a Battle of the Bands at Lakeside, which may be expanded to become the final of a Forest-wide contest.

Also planned are workshops for schoolchildren with the Lydney State Circus. Children will then be asked to demonstrate their skills to parents, friends and the public at the Lakeside.

Street puppetry shows will entertain people of all ages and there will be arts exhibitions at various venues, many featuring work by students and children.

A craft exhibition is planned for either the Memorial Hall or outdoors in the town centre.

The festival committee is keen to attract new members. Anyone interested can call 01531 828688.