DONATIONS of wool are being sought and keen knitters are being invited to take part in a community Big Knit, as part of a new arts festival being organised for Tavistock.

Knitters are being urged to attend an information evening next week to find out more.

Organisers of Tavistock Edge, an arts festival in collaboration with the Lions and Tavistock Carnival Week, will be running a number of events and activities in the run up to the festival, the first of which is the community big knit event.

A wool amnesty is being held throughout January, where people can take their spare wool of any colour and any type to Yarns of Tavistock on West Street.

Knitters will be asked to knit or crochet eight inch or 21cm squares which will be made into knitted and crocheted art for display around the town.

Anyone who would like to create an individual item, which will be visible in the town, are also welcome to do so.

More information about the Big Knit and how to get involved will be revealed at a meeting at the Tavy Club on Wednesday, January 21 at 7.30pm.

For anyone who cannot make the meeting, more information can be obtained by emailing [email protected]">[email protected]. uk or by calling 01822 614230 or 01822 616049.

Finished knitted squares can be taken to the Knitting Corner in Pepper Street.

A wide range of the community will be involved in the Big Knit, including Tavistock Area Support Services, Trident House, local schools, shops and knitting groups. After the art has been displayed, the squares will be reformed into blankets for local charities.

Val Sharpe, involved in the organisation of the Big Knit, said: 'Knitting is becoming more and more fashionable and the Big Knit will help to add some real colour to the town and give people a real sense of community involvement.'

The knitting is an early preparation event for the newly formed Tavistock Edge, which hopes to provide a vibrant and exciting look at all branches of the arts, from singing to theatre, music to painting and as many other genres as possible.

The first year of Tavistock Edge is in collaboration with Tavistock Lions and Carnival Week from July 11 to 18.

The aim is to provide entertainment and activities for free in slightly different venues to normal. Many of the events will also be surprises, where people will know something will be happening but not necessarily what until it happens.

Expect flash choirs, impromptu theatre and open air debates, music of all sorts, art displays, some of which the public may be able to join in.

Festival co-ordinator Rob Shepherd said: 'The Edge promises to be an exciting experience for the town. We are aiming for it to be surprising, stimulating and above all entertaining.

'We want to encourage people to look at the website to get a flavour of what might happen and if they are interested, to think about volunteering to take part.

'We are all really enjoying the experience of putting the festival together and are looking for lots of off the wall ideas from people. It is great that so many people are already interested in taking part.'

To be involved in an event or in the organisation of Tavistock Edge, visit http://www.tavistockedge.org.uk">www.tavistockedge.org.uk or email [email protected]">[email protected]