THE bunting is going up, the paint is drying and the finishing touches are being made to artworks ahead of this weekend's Caversham Arts Trail.

Returning after a two-year hiatus, the trail is back with a bang, featuring 18 venues and 37 artists including furniture makers, jewellers, photographers and even a garden designer.

Publicity officer Liz Real will be one of the artists exhibiting, showcasing her colourful mixed-media prints at her home studio in Longhurst Close.

Liz said: "I first got involved in the arts trail in the second or third year, I have lived in Caversham for a long time so have gotten to know a lot of people in the area.

"It is a really lovely trail, its not too big so you should be able to manage it all on foot, but of course it takes place over two weekends so if you don't get round every venue the first time, there is always next weekend."

The arts trail kicks off this Saturday, with venues open for viewings between 11am and 5pm, and then again next weekend. Some venues will also be open on Friday, May 18.

Even though the trail will clash with the Royal Wedding on Saturday, May 18, Liz is confident they will still get a good footfall.

Liz said: "We have always had the trail over two weekends, and we actually set the date before the wedding was announced. We tend to get a lot of visitors on the Sundays, as it's a bit more relaxed and people are looking for things to do.

"There really is something for everyone, some of the venues will be holding workshops where visitors can try their hand at creating some art, others will have items for sale. I sell my pieces, but I just enjoy making them and receiving feedback from people."

Caversham Arts Trail takes place on Saturday, May 12, Sunday, May 13, Friday, May 18, Saturday, May 19 and Sunday, May 20. Entry to all of the venues is free. Some venues will offer refreshment but donations will be collected for Motor Neurone Disease Association, Launchpad Reading and The Royal Berks Charity.

For more details and for a map of the venues, visit www.cavershamartstrail.co.uk.