HUNDREDS of people braved the weather over the Bank Holiday weekend to take part in the opening of Avebury’s Sculpture Gardens.

The exhibit, which began on Saturday (August 27) and will run until September 25, displays 101 sculptures from various artists in the county, and some further afield, for the public to visit and enjoy.

Hazel Barry-Scott, 25, events officer at Avebury, said: “We opened to the public on Saturday, there is a massive range in the sculptures, from all shapes and sizes. If anyone falls in love with any of the sculptures then they can buy them and collect them at the end of the exhibition. So far we have sold nine pieces already which is great for us and the artists as we get a 20 per cent commission to go towards the preservation of Avebury.”

With sculptures from 21 artists, the garden is already proving to be a popular idea with volunteers and visitors alike.

“We did have quite a few people in over the weekend, I cannot say how many exactly, but Saturday we had to close for a few hours due to the terrible weather. We had a very busy day on Monday, we have been receiving a lot of positive comments. The volunteers are loving it too, one of our members has even bought a piece for themselves,” added Ms Barry-Scott.

Ms Barry-Scott, who came up with the idea of the sculpture exhibit, is certain that the event will carry on in years to come.

“I came up with the idea, sculptures and gardens go hand in hand so it goes very well. I absolutely think this will become a yearly event at Avebury,” said Ms Barry-Scott.

The Avebury Sculpture Gardens is a free event and runs until September 25 from 11am-5pm every day.