TENS of thousands of pounds was spent this weekend as a print-mad public snapped up artwork at an Ulverston Festival.

Organisers have hailed this year's Printfest as the most successful to date after the two-day event came to a conclusion.

More than 1,500 visitors who came to the Coronation Hall spent in excess of £60,000 on contemporary works of art - a new record.

Chairwoman of the festival's organising committee, Sally Bamber, said: “It has been a fabulous weekend. From the moment the artists arrived to set up, there was a real buzz and a feeling of excitement.

"The whole weekend went very smoothly, with the artists appreciating the help they received, and many of them said it is the best print fair they attend.

“The visitors also praised the quality of the work, and it is fantastic to get such talented artists to come for a weekend in Ulverston.

"We will definitely be back in 2019. How could we not?"

As well as showcasing some of the best print-making talent in the UK, the record-breaking festival also gives artists the chance to meet one another, collaborate and learn new skills.

Eight of the 46 artists who displayed during the festival were Cumbrian natives. This included Jamie Barnes of Kendal, and Mike Pearce of Ravenglass.

Glowing praise came from members of the public who attended the festival, highlighting the atmosphere which runs through the entire weekend.

Visitor survey comments included: "We love the variety of work on display,”

“We love being able to talk to the artists about their methods and techniques,” and “We loved the atmosphere.”

Following this major success Printfest will be hoping to pick up another accolade in the coming weeks.

It has been nominated for the 'Tourism Event of the Year' in the 2018 Cumbria Tourism Awards.

At the awards ceremony held at Cartmel Racecourse on June 20, Printfest will go head to head against Eden's C-Art festival, Winter Droving in Penrith, and the Westmorland County Show.

The committee extended its thanks to the funders of the festival: South Lakes District Council, Ulverston Town Council, Townlands Trust, Furness Building Society and Ulverston BID, and the sponsors of the nine awards.