Hundreds of visitors explored the town for the first Wilmslow Art Trail.

Artists displayed their work at 17 venues around the town including restaurants, churches, pubs, cafes and shops.

The event featured work from 29 artists ranging from painters and sculptors to furniture makers and ceramicists.

It was led by designer and furniture maker Garry Olson with Wilmslow artist Eliza Brown and in conjunction with Wilmslow Business Group to promote the town’s art as well as encourage people into shops and businesses.

Visitors collected maps with locations marked on before taking a trail around the town to meet artists at their temporary exhibitions.

Garry Olson, who has a studio on Stoney Lane, said he had around 200 visitors at his shop alone, with more central locations seeing more people through the door.

He said: “It was really great seeing hundreds of people walking around the town with the brochure in hand visiting the different venues.

“It was a huge amount of work, but we had a good team and there was a very positive response, so it’s all been worth it. The Art Trail supports the other great things happening in the community.”

The event kicked-off on Friday with a launch at United Reformed Church, on Chapel Lane, with work on display by Wilmslow High School students.

It is one of the projects being supported by the events team – made up by Bethan Phillips and Georgie Johnson – funded earlier this year by Wilmslow Business Group to promote events to bring people into town and benefit businesses.

Bethan and Georgie have worked with local retailers to put together a host of offers to help residents enjoy all that Wilmslow has to offer.

Bethan said: “Everyone’s buzzing after a really successful first art trail. Businesses had new people visiting and the artists had a brilliant time exhibiting to new audiences.”

Bethan and Georgie are carrying out a survey to get feedback on the art trail and find out how it was good for business.

Georgie said: “It’s been excellent for the town. The idea was to bring people in to enjoy a bit of everything Wilmslow has to offer.

“It’s absolutely brilliant to have people enthused by having a creative trail through the town.”