Hertfordshire Open Studios gets under way next month, and artists in Royston are already doing their bit to promote the event in the town. Royston Area Visual Arts Group is inviting companies to attend a Business Meets Art evening in the Oak Room at the O

Hertfordshire Open Studios gets under way next month, and artists in Royston are already doing their bit to promote the event in the town.

Royston Area Visual Arts Group is inviting companies to attend a Business Meets Art evening in the Oak Room at the Old Bull Inn, Royston, on Friday, August 31.

There, guests will be able to view work by six artists.

General viewing of the exhibition will be on Saturday, September 1.

Sue Hartga, one of the artists who has organised the event, said: "This is the first time artists from Royston have got together to do a business event like this.

"There is a lot of negative publicity surrounding Royston town centre.

"We think events like this are a good way to bring people together and show that there is still a thriving business community here."

Ten artists from Royston and the surrounding villages are taking part in the Open Studios, which start on September 8 and run until September 30.

The group will also have a stall in Royston market on Saturday, September 1.

Mrs Hartga said: "The Open Studios are very popular, but Royston is often a forgotten part of the county.

"We hope to raise the profile of the town and make people realise there is a lot to see here."

The business meets art evening will run from 5.30-7.30pm.

Tickets are free, but must be ordered in advance from Sue or Terry Hartga. Contact them on 01763 231522.