THERE was “magic” surrounding Waterperry Gardens as the annual Art in Action event saw thousands of visitors turn out to try their hand at various crafts.

Every July, up to 400 artists, crafters, performers and musicians gather together to demonstrate their skills and show their work.

This year, visitors tried their hand at painting, sculpting, glassblowing, jewellery making and more, while also exploring stalls and chatting to some of the 600 volunteers helping out between Thursday, July 16, and Sunday, July 19.

Organiser Stephen Prendergast said that it was a really good four-day event, with 23,000 people attending, but he wanted to encourage even more visitors to come next year.

He said: “The weather was extremely kind and we had lots of happy visitors. The event ran very smoothly.

“There is a magic to it which is difficult to put your finger on.

“The stories you hear are absolutely amazing.”

In 1977, 51 artists and musicians took part in the first Art in Action, set up by students of the School of Economic Science, and 14,000 visitors came along.

Next year is Art in Action’s 40th anniversary and Mr Prendergast said the 2016 event was going to be “very special”.

Art in Action 2016 will run from July 14-17.