THIS year's Saltaire Arts Trail will celebrate the village's 20 years as a World Heritage Site as part of an action-packed programme of activities held both online and in person.

The trail, which will run between Saturday, May 29 and Sunday, June 6, will see some of the UK's top artists, makers and designers show off their work around the village.

The event's Window Gallery Trail is a new addition to this year's event, which will showcase artist's work in windows of eight Grade II listed homes throughout the World Heritage Site during the whole duration of the festival.

A further four resident artists’ windows will showcase their own work.

A number of the artists will be present at some point during the Arts Trail week, and will be delighted to talk about their work informally and demonstrate their practice, in a safe outdoor environment.

The exact locations of the window displays will be released in the week beginning May 24.

The window trail replaces the event's traditional Open House Trail, due to the ongoing restrictions of the pandemic.

Following two successful online events last year, The Saltaire Virtual Makers Fair returns with a fresh new look, taking place at saltaireinspired.org.uk and across Saltaire Inspired’s Instagram and Facebook accounts.

This will be held online over the May Bank Holiday weekend, between Friday, May 28 and Monday, May 31, and Thursday, June 3 to Sunday, June 6.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Peter Reed, event co-ordinator, promotes this year's Saltaire Arts TrailPeter Reed, event co-ordinator, promotes this year's Saltaire Arts Trail

Elsewhere, a programme of exhibitions and special events includes Felt by Claire Tindale, a specially commissioned installation in the Salts Mill roof space, and a display of four large kites, created by artist Georgia Griffiths, who has collaborated with the 800-strong student body of 16 to 18-year-olds at Shipley College to create The Kite Canvas.

There is also a window exhibition of an international project Weaving Pathways, sees Saltaire Inspired team up with Social Innovation Lab (Pakistan) and Casa do Povo (Brazil), and Bradford feel-good Our Street Gallery: Smile project will be sharing its smiles on Victoria Road’s allotment railings.

A further two exhibitions in Salts Mill will also take place - Saltaire: Foundation and Legacy celebrates the 20th Anniversary of the village’s World Heritage Site status. This heritage exhibition, held from May 28 to June 20, celebrates Saltaire World Heritage Site's 20th anniversary. A collaboration between the Saltaire Collection, Saltaire Inspired and Saltaire History Club, it includes a selection of photographs submitted to an open photography competition on the theme ‘International Saltaire’.

Yorkshire Perspective is a retrospective exhibition by leading watercolour artist Simon Palmer, held between May 27 and September 19.

There is also a chance for people of all ages to get creative and learn new skills in a programme of bookable artist-led workshops and talks, including printmaking, henna tattoos and painting.

In place of their annual exhibition, Saltaire Art Group are delighted to be sharing two artworks in their windows at the Methodist Church: Saltaire Terminus by M. Driver (multimedia) and Scenes of Saltaire by T. McFadyen (acrylics).

Julia Calver, Saltaire Inspired chair, said: "Saltaire Inspired are committed to celebrating the visual arts and creativity in the local area, and despite a challenging year, we are delighted to be able to welcome audiences to Saltaire Arts Trail 2021.

"We have a slightly extended programme - some of which you can visit in person and some will be online to ensure you have a chance to enjoy all that is available."

For more information on the full programme, go to saltaireinspired.org.uk – and trail guides are available to buy for £2 at various outlets in Saltaire and online in advance of the event, as well as throughout the Arts Trail week.