Organisers of the popular Northwich Art Shop's Grand Day Out have remained undeterred in hosting one of the region's annual highlights for the thriving community of local artists, with a switch to a virtual format under the temporary moniker of “Northwich Art Shop's Grand Day In”.

Hosted by Northwich Art Shop, the online event showcases talent from artists across mid-Cheshire and beyond alongside a series of immersive content for art lovers to enjoy.

This includes an open exhibition and art competition which features over 200 original artworks from followers, friends and customers of Northwich Art Shop hosted on an online gallery.

Judges were given the monumentally difficult task of selecting a winner which was ultimately awarded to local acrylic artist Thomas JL Davies with his piece “The Big Pool at Blaenau-Isafil”.

Northwich Guardian: Northwich Art Shop Grand Day In - The big pool at Blaenau-Isafl _ Acrylic On Canvas - Thomas J L Davies

The overall winner was this work by local acrylic artist Thomas JL Davies titled 'The Big Pool at Blaenau-Isafil'.

The event also features an interactive art quiz with the chance to win prizes from some of the premium art supplies that the shop is synonymous with. Due to popular uptake the event has been extended until the end of August and is free to enter at northwichartshop.com.

And if all of that isn't enough, the site also features hours of videos including exclusive demonstrations from local artists to inspire artists to create stunning artworks of their own using a variety of materials and techniques.

Northwich Art Shop owner Phillip Bower said of the event, "The response to Northwich Art Shop's 'Grand Day In' has been overwhelmingly positive and is a testament to the remarkable community of artists we have on our doorstep.

"We were delighted to see the vast amount of talent submitted for the open exhibition and selecting a winner was no easy task.

"We are so grateful to our main event sponsors Winsor & Newton who really encouraged us to try this new format, also thanks to Global Art Supplies, Mitsubishi Pencil Co, Premium Art Supplies and Steadtler and RK Burt for providing a brilliant array of exciting prizes.

"We look forward to returning to the usual in-person format when our customers feel it is safe to do so."

Supporting the event, Northwich BID were pleased to see the event remained a success despite its change in format.

Project manager Adam Gerrard, a self-confessed art novice, featured on the panel of judges for the open exhibition and was particularly impressed by some of the artistic depictions of Northwich itself.

Situated on Witton Street, Northwich Art Shop has served the local artist community for over 30 years with its choice selection of art supplies and is one of the many independent businesses that is putting Northwich on the map as a must-visit location in Cheshire.

The shop is currently running a Grand Summer Sale in tandem with the event with up to 50 per cent off top quality art brands from their website.