A festival of art is returning throughout the whole of June with multiple artists showcasing their work in pop up galleries and events taking place in high streets.

The long-running annual Brentwood Art Trail begins on June 1 and promises to be bigger than ever with support from the Brentwood Connected BID, which is funded by Town Centre businesses to improve the visitor experience in Brentwood, Shenfield and Ingatestone.

Free art festivals will take place on the first three Saturdays of the Trail - bringing creative, fun, family-friendly events to the three High Streets.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series: Artist Lucia Hardy at Merrymeade House in 2023 with the Ascot painting she created on Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the YearArtist Lucia Hardy at Merrymeade House in 2023 with the Ascot painting she created on Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year (Image: Brentwood Connected)

 

More than 70 artists and 60 businesses are taking part.

Starting on Saturday June 1, a guided tour will take place in Brentwood to launch the Trail, followed by a Plein Air Art Experience at the Chapel Ruins, led by Amelia Hart, who has worked with the internationally renowned artist Damien Hirst, and Lucia Hardy.

Visitors can take part in a Portrait Painting Demonstration and make their mark on a collaborative piece of artwork which will travel between the High Streets during the Trail’s Saturday Art Festivals.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series: Emma Thurgood of Sincerely Yours in Shenfield (R) with her artist for this years Brentwood Art Trail Becky Wash (L)Emma Thurgood of Sincerely Yours in Shenfield (R) with her artist for this years Brentwood Art Trail Becky Wash (L) (Image: Brentwood Connected)

A Brentwood Art Trail Pop-Up Gallery will be open at the Baytree Shopping Centre all month, supported by Q-Mix Concrete.

More than 1,000 local primary school children will display their art after taking part in a special Brentwood Art Trail online lesson sponsored by Chicken & Frog Bookshop, Guided Learning and Kip McGrath.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series: Urban artist Penfold will create some live street art in Shenfield (pictured at foureighty in 2023)Urban artist Penfold will create some live street art in Shenfield (pictured at foureighty in 2023) (Image: Brentwood Connected)

Special events in Shenfield and Ingatestone include guided tours, a Live Street Art Event on June 8, and an Artisan Ingatestone Artists’ Market on  June 15.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series: Walk, Talk & Create sponsors Lindsay Wildgust (L) and Sue Mills (R) of Create Yourself Calm, will host an event at Butterfly Meadow Walk, Talk & Create sponsors Lindsay Wildgust (L) and Sue Mills (R) of Create Yourself Calm, will host an event at Butterfly Meadow (Image: Brentwood Connected)

Sue Mills, who will be displaying work in Liquorice in Shenfield, teaching an online art lesson for primary schools, and hosting and sponsoring Walk, Talk & Create sessions said: “I’ve been a part of the Brentwood Art Trail for many years now, and I love the way it brings people together in Brentwood, Shenfield and Ingatestone.

"From the minute all the artists are revealed on social media, to the final day in June, it’s a really exciting time to be part of the creative community here, showcasing work and engaging with people through art.”

The event continues to be supported by Baker Labels, Blue Serif and Brentwood Borough Council.

Visit brentwoodarttrail.co.uk for more information and to reserve tickets for events, or
brentwoodconnected.co.uk to read more about the Brentwood Connected Business Improvement District (BID).

Follow @bwdarttrail on social media for updates before and during the event.