NINETY umbrellas are set to float above Salisbury High Street in an art installation.

A dazzling canopy of colour will greet locals, shoppers and tourists in Salisbury city centre from Wednesday, July 18 until the autumn.

The multicoloured brollies will shelter ten illuminated doves, inspired by Michael Pendry’s installation, Les Colombes, currently on display in Salisbury Cathedral until July 22.

The doves will fly among the umbrellas, each carrying a message of hope and peace.

Salisbury Business Improvement District (BID) has organised and invested in the display which it hopes will prove a talking point and to encourage visitors and locals alike to visit the city centre.

Supporting partners are VisitWiltshire, Salisbury City Council, Salisbury Cathedral and Swindon and Wiltshire LEP.

Kara Rogers, BID marketing manager, said: “Our businesses have had a tough year, but this installation will encourage a new spout of optimism, adding another vibrant splash of colour to our beautiful medieval city.

“The installation will be put up overnight, so we’re really looking forward to seeing the surprise and delight on people’s faces when they wake up to find our High Street is transformed. They should be great come rain or shine!”

The umbrellas initiative has been inspired by an artwork at the annual Ágitagueda Art Festival in Portugal.

To launch the installation, there will be a celebration under the umbrellas on the High Street on Wednesday, July 18 from 5.30pm.

Café Rouge is providing a complimentary drink and canapés and there will be live music from acoustic duo LimeLyte.