A FESTIVAL of visual arts will be taking centre stage in Basingstoke when it goes on show this month.

The Sightlines event is now in its eighth year, and will include displays by professional and amateur artists across the borough.

The event, organised by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, will feature traditional painting and sculpture as well as digital art and new media.

Neil Cole, head of leisure services at the borough council, said: "This year's programme will see the launch of a brand-new Sightlines Gallery in Basingstoke library.

"This will provide an exciting new display for professional and amateur artists alike, ensuring that the library can host a diverse rolling programme of exhibitions throughout the year."

Exhibitions will also be held at Fairfields Arts Centre, in Council Road, The Willis Museum, in Market Place, and New Greenham Arts Centre, in New Greenham Park near Newbury.

The Milestones museum, next to the Basingstoke Leisure Park, is holding an exhibition called Life Today, showcasing work by both sighted and visually-impaired artists.

Artists will also be out in Basingstoke to give people the chance to take a closer look at their work.

On the weekend of Saturday, May 7, textile artist Lizzie Patel and dancer Katy Lee will be at Whitchurch Silk Mill, in Winchester Street, Whitchurch, dressing the mill's bridges.

For more information, or to join the Sightlines mailing list, contact Lee Price on 01256 845291.

Alternatively, you can e-mail him at l.price@Basingstoke.gov.uk

First published: Tuesday, May 3, 2005