The tenth annual Leytonstone Arts Trail will feature the work of over 100 artists in more than 40 locations as all manner of East London venues are transformed into temporary galleries over nine days in July.

Started by a small group in 2008 and entirely self-funded and run by volunteers, the egalitarian entry criteria attract a diverse range of artists from hobbyists to professionals, with ages from primary school to pensioners. Each year evolves its own personality and surprise hits owing to the particular mix of participating artists and hosting organisations.

Cafes, pubs, churches, art studios, a number of homes and even a garden shed within the borders of Leytonstone will host artworks in all media, with an eclectic range of events running alongside throughout.

The Trail will run from Saturday 1st July to Sunday 9th July; visitors are invited to devise their own Trail routes using the maps on the Trail Guide or the website.

Trail events this year include live poetry, performance art, drop-in workshops and a tactile game about life; all are free or very minimal entrance charge.  Again, these are listed on the website and in the Guide so people can plan around their own interests.

This year, two large clusters of Trail locations are at the top of the High Road, making an ideal walk from the Quakers Meeting House via the North Star down to Leytonstone’s “Art Quarter” around Church Lane with venues including coffee shops, boutiques and restaurants, with further locations spreading out to the borders of the E11 postcodes.

Chris Davies, participating artist said:  “What I like about the trail is that it brings a rich variety of visual arts to Leytonstone – this has an uplifting effect on a great number of people and brings communities together.”

Naoise McGeer, Head of Art at Leytonstone School said:  “The Arts Trail provides our students with the opportunity to have their work viewed alongside successful practising artists in the borough.”

The Trail reaches out to the local community inviting all to enjoy the creative diversity Leytonstone can offer. It makes art accessible to everyone, both as producers and consumers.

The full programme list is available now on www.leytonstoneartstrail.org and the printed Guide will be available from participating venues later this month.