THE Great Exhibition of Boscombe has received a welcome boost of funding from the Arts Council England.

The event, now in its third year, takes place from Saturday, October 24-31, with a host of pop-up exhibitions, interactive art installations, workshops and live performances throughout the Precinct and Royal Arcade.

Arts Council England has provided a grant of nearly £20,000 to boost the festival, which celebrates the history and unique art influences of the area.

Adam Gent, from the Arts Council, said: “We are very pleased to support The Great Exhibition of Boscombe which brings great art to the high street for the whole community.

“The mix of professional and young emerging artists, local heritage and opportunities to get involved will continue to raise the profile of Boscombe and the talent it nurtures and attracts.”

Exhibits will include a pop-up "history shop" in the Royal Arcade, fine art, life drawing and photography workshops and galleries, a rooftop cinema, hip hop battles and, on October 31, Halloween street entertainment and treats.

Project manager Clare Belmont Project said: “Boscombe is at the heart of Dorset’s thriving creative industry with a hotbed of emerging artists and the Great Exhibition of Boscombe provides a platform from which to showcase their talents, while highlighting Boscombe’s evolving creative culture.

“This year’s events are jam-packed with international and local artists including our "On the Roof" hip hop takeover with B-Line Recordings, legendary dance crew members of Second to None, to inspire our young local dancers and share the message of real hip hop culture.

“Award-winning artist Mark Lloyd will feature in the fine art event with never before exhibited work, and our rooftop cinema will see a Bournemouth University collaboration screening of BFX competition winners work as well as popular family films for the whole family to enjoy."

“With a huge diverse mix of age and ability there is something for everyone.”

Also funding the event are the Coastal BID and Boscombe Regeneration Partnership. Events run 10am-4pm.

For more information visit visit /GreatBoscombeExhibition or thegreatexhibition.org