On Tuesday, professional artists and the ESCAPE group created their own stained glass and displayed them at an exhibition at Plumptre Hall.

On Friday (4th), Maureen Lowe of The Arts Group in Eastwood will lead an outdoor sketching and painting day at Langley Mill Canal Basin, from 10am until 4pm. Call Maureen on 01773 716786 for details.

Now in its eighth year, the Eastwood Arts Festival is making a party out of being arty this year with the emphasis on bringing people together through high quality, creative fun events and activities.
This week's activities include:

- A China cultural day on Sunday, July 6 at Durban House Mansfield Road, from 10am until 5pm. In the year of the Beijing Olympics, the free event will include martial arts displays by the Sport Wushu Association, traditional Chinese lion dancing and drop-in arts and craft workshops for children. The Rocking Horse Bistro will also embrace the theme with delicious Chinese snacks.

- On Monday, July 7, an exciting exhibition of visual artwork by pupils of Eastwood School will be available for viewing, as well as an Art Attack community art group. It will be open from 6pm until 8pm. Call the school on 01773 786212 for more information.

- Intriguing and information photographs and memorabilia from Eastwood Historical Society will be displayed as part of the 40th anniversary exhibition on Wednesday, July 9 at Dora Phillips Hall, between 1pm and 4pm.

- One of the most popular events will take place on Friday, July 11, with the carnival parade incorporating nine local schools and a team of professional carnival artists.

The planet-themed event will begin at Chewton Street at 1pm and proceed along Nottingham Road and Mansfield Road to the finishing point at Eastwood Comprehensive School. It's sure to be an out of this world experience!

On every Saturday throughout July, The Library lounge bar will be hosting live music with local bands performing an eclectic mix of old and new acoustic music.

The first on Saturday, July 5 will see Red Belly take to the stage. The male duo will perform favourites from the last four decades, from the Rolling Stones, Santana, Thin Lizzy, Scissor Sisters and Van Morrison.

The bar on Scargill Walk is open to the over-21s only. There is free entry and Red Belly will be on stage from 9pm.