BLACKSMITH forges will be springing up in High Town in Hereford this weekend for the city's Ferrous festival.

The first Ferrous Festival of Artist Blacksmithing has been organised by the Hereford Business Improvement District and starts on Friday (October 20).

Six hot metal forges will be set up in Hereford High Town from Friday to Sunday: each run by an experienced blacksmith who will be able to guide members of the public through the process of creating a ginkgo leaf.

The leaves will form part of the decorative finish to the ginkgo leaf arbour designed by leading artist blacksmith, Ambrose Burne, for St Michael’s Hospice.

People who want to take part will be asked to donate £10 and can book a slot at www.st-michaels-hospice.org.uk/event/ferrous.

John Gibbon, from Herefordshire Council’s Markets Service, who has been working closely with the Ferrous2017 team to prepare for the live forging weekend, said: “It is great to see Hereford’s High Town being used for this new event.

"Hereford is fortunate to have such a large open space right in the centre of the city to run this kind of event and we are looking forward to seeing it filled with people over the weekend.”

The Ferrous2017 programme is now available in Hereford City Centre. Pick up your copy from: Gilbies Wine Bar and Bistro, Off the Wall, Rural Concierge (Tourist Information), Waterstones, The Black & White House, The Wellington, The Town Hall, Hereford Library and Hereford Cathedral.

There will also be a small number of stalls in High Town selling or showcasing a variety of metal products made by local blacksmiths.

Ferrous is also inviting residents and visitors to capture the sights of the first Ferrous event in its photography competition.

All you have to do is take a picture of any of the exhibitions or activities during the festival and upload them to the festival's Instagram page.

There is also a Design a Gate Competition. Participants will have the chance to win cash vouchers to spend in Hereford in the run up to Christmas.

For more information go to www.herefordcitylife.co.uk/ferrous2017