A NEW walled sculpture garden is set to open in Bridgwater this weekend.

On Saturday, July 27, Serena de la Hey - the sculptor behind the iconic Willow Man sculpture - will open Bridgy Gallery's new walled sculpture garden area.

The ribbon will be cut at 7pm, and a stone inscribed with the gallery's opening date will also be unveiled.

The unveiling will take place at the Bridgy Gallery, found at 4 Old Taunton Road, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 3NX.

Attendants will be given a complimentary free drink upon arrival.

A spokesperson for Bridgy Gallery said: "Bridgwater has not had a walled garden open to the public before as far as I am aware.

"The gallery garden is much smaller than the garden at Cannington but it is packed with interesting features like the pipe trellis, horseshoe tree seat around mature sycamore tree, zen garden, Tori gate, carpet moss balls, tree stump sculpture.

"For the opening, many willow sculptures by Amanda and metal ones by Dave, with the Bridgwater Circle Series by Bridget on display down the long gallery.

"We also have a photography exhibition on willow farming by Josh, and in the garage gallery we have Tony’s painting exhibition ‘From the Heart, as well as local artists' work on display in reception."

As well as work from talented local artists, the gallery boasts a stage area in the garden - perfect for reflecting, or reading poetry - as well as its own beach and undercover yard.

The Bridgy Gallery building was previously used as an old coach house and stables, and is steeped in history, with wooden steeple ladders formerly used at St Mary's Church, and more historic features.

A mocktail bar for the site is currently in the works, along with other additions including a water feature.