ARTISTS who love the countryside are being urged to make plans, with the news that the Swire Ridgeway Arts Prize and exhibition will be held in April 2021.

The Friends of the Ridgeway were very disappointed to have to cancel in 2020 but are now going full steam ahead for 2021. If practical and possible, there will be an exhibition in Thomas Hughes Memorial Hall, Uffington; if not there will be an online exhibition and prizegiving.

The aim of the competition is to bring The Ridgeway to life not only as a long distance trail but as an artistic inspiration, and to show The Ridgeway, its history and environs, in all their aspects throughout all seasons. The theme of the competition is Spirit of the Ridgeway. Prizes are offered for painting, sculpture, photography and writing (poetry or prose), with separate prizes in each category and an overall winner. The prizes will be awarded at the Ridgeway Friends Day on April 25 or online at that date.

If possible the exhibition of works submitted for the competition, open to the public on April 24 and 25, including on the Sunday the The Ridgeway Friends Day, AGM and prizegiving. A visit to the exhibition is also a chance to admire and the beautiful and historic rural village of Uffington in the Vale of the White Horse.

Full details of competition conditions and categories at www.ridgewayfriends.org.uk