IT’S ARRIVED. The Salisbury Heritage and Craft Festival, takes place this weekend on the West Lawn of the Cathedral.

The Mayor of Salisbury, Councillor Andrew Roberts, officially opened the event at a special preview evening for sponsored and selected guests.

Among the attractions are Crocodile Smiles, which involves a team of two, an engineer and an artist, who aim to combine the most accurate laser cutting with acute drawing skills to take the drawn line into three dimensions.

Charlotte Moreton, who trained at the Frink School of Figurative Sculpture, will be demonstrating how she combines sculpture and teaching with nature conservation work, based in Salisbury.

Her sculpture is greatly influenced by trees and nature. Among the tributes she has received is one she particularly treasures from late author Sir Terry Pratchett, who said: "Whatever they are paying you, it isn't enough!"

Another local craftsman is James Morton-Evans, who is a UK-based designer who draws upon the language of organic morphology to make exquisite, timeless furniture which is as much sculptural as it is functional.

Said James: “Though I always intended to design and make my own, I actually trained as a restorer of antique furniture. What better way to learn lasting construction technique together with the requisite hand skills?”

They will be accompanied by over 100 other craft-makers from all over the UK in what is set to become one of the most prestigious heritage events in the South of England.

David Clayton, co-organiser of the festival, said: “This event really does have huge potential not just locally but as a regional ‘must see’ event.”

Patricia Dixon, the Festival’s appointed Manager, said “We expect over 5,500 visitors to attend the event over the weekend both from Salisbury and further afield. As well as being a popular family event, the festival is also becoming a tourism draw for the city.

“We have joined VisitWiltshire as a Groups and Travel Trade Partner. We see an opportunity from 2016 onwards to bring lots of groups into the city by offering them an exclusive weekend package, hopefully resulting in increased business for all,” added Patricia.

The organiser of the Festival is Salisbury Rotary Club in association with Salisbury Cathedral and Salisbury Chamber of Commerce.

All workshops, tours, talks and trails are again included free within the ticket price along with access to the craft marquees making the Festival both excellent value and fun for all the family.

For more information visit www.salisburycraftfestival.org