EXCITEMENT is building for an action packed creative arts-filled two days next week, bringing together original music, workshops and visual arts in a 'weekend arts centre'. Ocmundtune Creative Arts has organised the event from May 23 to May 25 as part of its long running campaign for an arts centre in Okehampton. With funding from Okehampton United Charities, West Devon Borough Council and Okehampton Town Council, the weekend will provide an opportunity to hear an eclectic line-up of bands and solo artists from Okehampton and around the South West. During the day there will be a variety of art workshops in mask making, singing, creative writing and storytelling, a craft fair and a visual arts exhibition. Chairman of Ocmundtune Creative Arts Phil Bird said: 'It has been a lot of hard work, but it is an exciting programme and hopefully have something for everyone. 'We encourage people to come down to the Ockment Centre, get involved and enjoy the concerts and workshops on offer.' The event kicks off on Friday, May 23 with an evening concert with performances from dancer Maggi Squire, Troubadour's Garden, Aunt Fanny's Handbag and Moor Reason. The fun continues on Saturday daytime with an 'Ockness Monsters' children's art workshop, singing with Gillie Nichols, creative writing with Jackie Juno, and environmental art with Beth Hamer. During Saturday there will also be craft stalls in the Ockment Centre garden, and an open mic performance platform for performers of any kind during the afternoon. The music and art performances return on Saturday night with music from Mozura and the Invisible Opera Company, poetry from Jackie Juno, and European tales told by Tom Hirons and Rima Staines. Sunday sees a busy end to the weekend with workshops on drama by Steven Furphy, creating art dolls with Maggi Squire, painting with Phil Bird and Anna Georghiou, exploring clay with Janie Ramsey and a guitar workshop with Jerry Cahill. The final concert of the weekend sees performances from Gillie Nichols, Jerry Cahill, and the Monkey Gland Band, past winners of the Okehampton Battle of the Bands. It is hoped that if the weekend is a success, it will lead to a long term programme of arts and music events for Okehampton. Early bird tickets for the concerts cost £8 each or £10 on the door. Workshops cost £5 per workshop, except the Ockness Monsters workshop, which is £2.50 per child. Tickets are available from the Ockment Centre reception and Rock Hen's Coop in the Arcade. For more information about the event visit http://www.ocmundtunearts.com">www.ocmundtunearts.com and http://www.facebook.com/">www.facebook.com/ ocmundtune?fref=ts or call into the Ockment Centre.