ORGANISERS have hailed Lyme Regis ArtsFest 2011 an unprecedented success – and are already thinking about how to make next year’s even better.

Thousands of people flocked to open studios, group exhibitions, workshops and music events over the nine days of the festival.

ArtsFest director Sally Holman said: “Looking back on ArtsFest 2011, everyone will have their favourite story about ArtsFest this year.

“So many visitors kept the town lively, with venues and car parks noticeably busier during the event and numbers at the main venues well up with previous years.”

Ms Holman said visitors particularly enjoyed the affordable art exhibition at the Malthouse, where sales were at a record high.

Visitor numbers were also up at the Baptist Church hall exhibition, and more than 4,000 people were introduced to printing techniques by Paula Youens at the Marine Parade Shelters.

Maisie Hill’s photography workshop, The Shed photography exhibition, and the collage pictures by St Michael’s Primary school all added to the atmosphere.

The festival’s artistic director Christine Allison said Gail Sagman’s show at The Jam Factory and work displayed by professional travel writer Jill Swainson were among the stand-out events.

Ms Allison was joined by 22 early bird artists for sunrise sketching and breakfast at By the Bay Restaurant.

Poetry workshops and a competition to find the best wordsmiths have been held in local schools over recent months, sponsored by Lyme Regis Rotary Club and organised by local artist Anthea Simmons.

Winners and runners up read their poems in front of a live audience in Wordfest at the Marine Theatre on Friday.

In between the poetry, 14-year-old stand up comedian Rex Fisher, from Beaminster, entertained the audience, and Ms Simmons had everyone writing their own verses.

Rotary club president David Bettes presented prizes to Henry Neil, Alex Godman, Katie McGoran, Polly Howarth-Yates and Anastasia Payne.

Ms Simmons said: “The feedback for the event was touchingly positive, with many people really moved by the children’s contribution and extremely impressed by the wonderful 3D artwork created by St Michael’s School.”

Ms Holman said: “It was a stimulating ArtsFest for contributors and visitors with talk of future plans already in the air and little niggles sorted until next time.

“We have established a name for quality art, craft and experiences, for being inclusive.”

“Our special thanks to sponsors WDDC, LRTC, Rotary and Town Mill, the local press and TV, the exhibition venues and all our local business sponsors. “See you at ArtsFest 2012, September 8 to 17.”