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Dazzling new banners designed by Weymouth and Portland schoolchildren will be on display along Weymouth’s seafront and harbourside from 10 July.


The 36 banners – inspired by the town’s success as an Olympic and Paralympic venue last year – are the result of a partnership between Weymouth & Portland Borough Council and Weymouth-based arts organisation ScreenPLAY. More than 100 children aged 8-11 worked on the designs which are all about holiday activities. The banners will be on display all summer.

Artists Heidi Steller and Sharon Hayden worked with classes at Beechcroft St Paul’s Primary School, Westfield Arts College, the Isle of Portland Aldridge Academy’s Underhill campus and St John’s Primary School creating half size versions of the banners while Alastair Nisbet worked with groups on photography and digital imaging. Project co-ordinator Alastair Nisbet said: “We wanted the children to show some of the fun things they enjoy on the beach and at the seaside – swimming, boating, making sandcastles, riding donkeys, beach cricket, flying kites and much more. They are about the fun of being on holiday in Weymouth and we think they will look wonderful lining the seafront.” Weymouth & Portland Borough Council Tourism and Culture brief holder Cllr Ian Bruce said: “These pieces of art produced by local schools will be a fantastic addition to Weymouth’s already spectacular seafront. “This is a great opportunity to showcase some of our young talent. The banners will resemble some of the ‘look and feel’ elements we had in the borough last summer.

“I would like to congratulate all the pupils, teachers and artists for their great work.” The project has been awarded the “Inspired by 2012” mark by the Cabinet Office for its contribution to the country’s Olympic legacy.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]