ART festival organisers are keeping their fingers crossed the weather holds this weekend in the hope of attracting thousands of visitors.

An estimated 25,000 people will visit Art in Action during the four-day festival at Waterperry House and Gardens, near Wheatley.

Each year artists are invited to carry out work in pop-up studios in the house grounds under the gaze of the public.

The festival began yesterday and organisers now hope to count record numbers through the gates.

Oxford Mail:

Catherine Rimmer       

Festival spokesman Anna Arthur said: “If it’s an absolute scorcher this weekend then that could affect numbers – and if it rains a lot.

“But if it stays temperate I think this year is going to be pretty well-attended.”

The festival’s front of house, Catherine Rimmer, 43, has volunteered at the event since she was 15.

She said: “The vibe has been lovely, it’s nice that it’s summer in England and there is a lawn full of people having a really great time.”

The festival has been running since 1977.

This year’s event includes exhibitions, classes and performances from 400 artists, teachers, musicians and performers with four war artists working on pieces to commemorate the centenary of the First World War.

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