Something exciting will soon be happening at Sculpture by the Lakes.

The attraction in Pallington, near Dorchester, will be shut throughout January as works get underway for a new artisan food shop, new seating areas, a new toilet block, as well as the creation of permanent staging space for live performances.

Simon Gudgeon, sculptor and founder of Sculpture by the Lakes, said: "While we never like to close our gates as the sculpture park is beautiful in every season, we're really excited about the plans we're putting on place in January.

"So, when we open up again, we will be able to share with visitors some new additions which hopefully they'll absolutely love."

Sculpture by the Lakes is set across 26 acres at Pallington Lakes and includes a gallery, café, artisan shop and a number of event venues, as well as acres of gardens, rivers, lakes and walks with dozens of large-scale sculptures.

Over the past few years, its founders Simon and Monique Gudgeon have worked to enhance its offering with the addition of the art and artisan craft shop, The Artisans' Bazaar, and the launch of new events such as the sculpture show FORM.

In 2022, the team will be delivering even more.

Simon added: "Our plan for next year begins with the launch of the Artisan's Pantry, a long-held dream of mine which will bring together in one place much of the fantastic food and drink created by artisan and independent producers from across Dorset and beyond.

"As well as bringing back favourites such as the Dorset Arts Festival, we're also going to launch a series of outdoor live music events for the summer months - a brand new addition to our calendar we hope will be popular.

"I can't give away all the details just yet, but I can promise that what we deliver will be really special. As always, we're focussed on finding creative, small-scale, bespoke ways to make the most of this beautiful, tranquil setting."

Sculpture by the Lakes is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm. Entry to the sculpture park is £12.50 and tickets must be pre-booked online to manage visitor numbers. Entry to Gallery by the Lakes, the Artisan's Bazaar and Café by the Lakes is free of charge.

Sculpture by the Lakes will close at 5pm on Thursday, December 23 and reopen to the public on Tuesday, February 1.

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