A FREE arts festival is returning to venues across St Helens and Knowsley.

The festival marks Heart of Glass, a collaborative arts organisation, announcing a takeover of free events, exhibitions, and performances taking place across the region.

Heart of Glass is promising "a playful arts programme taking place in unexpected spaces and venues" across St Helens and for the first time in Knowsley, as the city region’s current Borough of Culture.

The festival, hosted by Lowri Evans, a Manchester-based live artist, will offer a variety of art exhibitions and events tailored to the autumnal season, with an opportunity for locals to learn about individual experiences.

Patrick Fox, chief executive at Heart of Glass, said: "We’re thrilled to bring back Take Over our free arts festival across St Helens and - this year Knowsley - too, after our Covid hiatus.

"The Creative People and Places programme is about bringing artists and communities together to create and experience amazing art.

"Lowri and the team have assembled an incredibly exciting list of events, workshops and participatory experiences to feed our hearts and souls this autumn."

Lowri Evans, the festival host, added: "It’s lovely to be back in St Helens and Knowsley at this magical time of year.

"I’m excited to share with you a bunch of exciting artists, events and gatherings, so if you’re willing to brave the cold and step out, join us as we cast spells, embrace temptation, try new things, gather round."

To tune in to the autumnal spirit, here are the events taking place from Friday October 28 until Sunday November 13, with a selection of times available to browse the Heart of Glass website:

TOUCHY + ANTHOLOGY by 20StoriesHigh – Saturday November 5 at The Citadel Theatre

Made of Stars by Turntable Theatre – Friday October 28 until Sunday November 13 at Knowsley Community College and St Mary's Market

Ten Commandments by David Hoyle, in partnership with Homotopia – Saturday October 29 The Citadel Theatre

Astrology Bingo by Figs in Wigs – Friday November 4 at Thatto Heath Labour Club

Routes 10A and 257 by Heather Glazzard – Saturday October 29 until Sunday November 13

MUSH by Unfinished Business – Saturday October 29 at St Mary’s Market

NEW SOCIETY by Lisa Mattocks – Friday October 28 until Sunday November 13

The Addams Family screening (PG) – Saturday October 29 at Lucem House

I Am From Reykjavik by Sonia Hughes – Saturday November 5 at Church Square

Persepolis screening (12A) – Saturday November 5 at Lucem House

World of Work games night by Michelle Browne – Sunday November 6 at St Helens Book Stop

Faces Places screening (PG) – Sunday November 13 at Shakespeare North Playhouse, Knowsley

The Cloakroom by Jenny Gaskell – Saturday November 5 at Prescot High Street

Sauerkraut Spell Sharing by Unfinished Business – Saturday November 12 at Lucem House

FEAST: PEAR by Xhi Ndubisi and Sarah Hunter – Sunday November 13 at St Mary’s Market

Jane Mason, Dancer in residence – Saturday November 5

Kids' Show by Eggs Collective – Saturday November 12 at Knowsley Community College and St Helens Town Hall

Hocus Pocus screening (PG) – Sunday October 30 at Shakespeare North Playhouse, Knowsley

All events are free, with some requiring a booking.

For more information on times and tickets, visit http://heartofglass.org.uk/take-over-2022.