AT least 14,000 people watched 200 demonstrators show off their skills at the county council's showcase for local arts.

The demonstrators spread across five stages at County Hall for this year's Skills on Show event, which has been hailed a success.

"Despite the awful weather it was fantastic," said Anne Langford, assistant county arts officer.

"One of the highlights was Fusion, a sculpture carved out of local green oak with a

crossbeam with wind chimes hanging off it. Everyone stamped their names into it.

"The climbing wall was also a big success. About 250 people climbed it, from four years old to 65."

Dance workshops ranged from flamenco to breakdancing, and visitors could move from the turntables at DJ workshops to poetry and computing.

Next year's Skills on Show has been scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, July 12 and 13.