BOURNEMOUTH could become like "Covent Garden" under plans to massively boost arts in the region.

A meeting to discuss An Arts Strategy for Bournemouth heard that there is "an abundance of talent" in the town which needs to reach a wider audience.

If successful it could result in the town shaking off its stag nights and hen nights' image, councillors heard.

Cllr Ted Taylor said: "There's all sorts of things going on here but often people don't know about it and special events that ordinary people don't have access to.

"There are opportunities here that we need to grasp. Some of the best things happen in Meyrick Park."

Cllr Pat Lewis told members that she is a classical guitar player adding: "Art is anywhere and everywhere. There is art all around us.

"The idea of street art is nice. I would like to see Bournemouth like Covent Garden."

Cllr Michael Griffiths suggested that there should be more opportunities for people to get involved with making films.

He said: "We need to give people the chance to use art to express themselves. One of the things I am particularly interested in is in providing more opportunities for people of all ages to make films.

"I would be very interested for us to establish a film festival and think the Purbeck Film Festival is wonderful."

Spare space at the Pavilion could also possibly be utilised and Shelley Manor would be another venue for arts-type events, the meeting heard.

Cllr Barry Goldbart said: "I think we've got a groundswell and it's now unstoppable. It has a lot of political support."

The comments of the Policy Advisory Group on the Arts Strategy 2008 to 2013 will be passed to Cabinet.