THE West Buckland Festival kicks off next Thursday September 18, promising arts-based events and community fun.

This pretty village setting could make a lovely family day out, with an exhibition of quality art and an auction flagged up as two of the main events.

The festival begins with an evening preview in St Peter's Church of the Your Art exhibition.

This includes scores of works of art – paintings, sculptures, photographs, embroidery, carvings and more – that people across north Devon have entered.

Last year there were so many entries that it was often difficult for visitors to see many of the magnificent pieces of work and so the preview evening will be an important addition.

All works will be for sale during the festival.

Should you wish to enter any pieces of art email westbuckart@peterbright.info for an application form.

Another very important event, on the afternoon of Saturday September 20 is an auction in West Buckland Village Hall.

The Auctioneer is Geoff Clapp of Seddons. If you want to help one of the festival charities – Little Bridge House – and profitably sell some items (furniture, china, glassware, pledges) then enter them in the auction. Twenty percent for each lot price will go to the charity, as Geoff Clapp has agreed to waive the auctioneer's fee. The remainder will go to person who has entered the lot.

The festival runs until Sunday September 21.