Visitor numbers at an Island art showcase more than tripled compared with last year.

Around 1,200 people attended Love Sheppey X at Barton’s Point Coastal Park in Marine Parade, Sheerness, on Saturday.

It was held for the first time last summer, when around 400 people attended, and was launched because of a lack of opportunities for professional Sheppey artists to display their work.

There were 45 exhibitors in all, showing pieces which included ceramics, wood carving, painting, felt craft and concrete and stainless steel sculpture.

There were also workshops held outside for members of the public.

Up and coming creative talent was highlighted through a youth stand, and three-quarters of the young people exhibiting managed to sell some of their work.

Organiser Laurie Harpum said: “It was really successful. All the exhibitors were really happy with it, and many of them would love to come again.

“The feedback has been extremely positive.

“One of the questions we asked was ‘give us three words that summed up Love Sheppey’ and ‘inspiring’ was one of the biggest.”

She added that music, food and more interactive workshops featured highly on a list of what visitors would like to see next year.

• For more pictures see this week's Sheerness Times Guardian.