Leytonstone Arts Trail marks its sixth anniversary when it begins this weekend with the aim of boosting trade and promoting artists.

Co-organiser Hilary Douse hopes to encourage more people to use the high street when the trail starts on Saturday, with dozens of shops in the area displaying work from more than 50 artists living in the borough.

The annual week-long trail is a celebration of the thriving creative culture in Leytonstone, and by bringing it to the forefront the idea is more people will visit areas like High Road and Church Lane.

Ms Douse said: “It’s really exciting to be about to start another year’s trail. It helps both businesses and artists because it brings footfall to Leytonstone and promotes artists’ work.”

And there is a lot on show between Saturday and Sunday, July 14, with lots of free events promising to make the trail more engaging than ever.

The highlights include an exhibition on Alfred Hitchcock called ‘Spellbound in Light and Shadows’ at Artefacto Tattoo in High Road, while Leytonstone’s very own art gallery, The Stone Space in Church Lane, will feature sculptures and other 3D art.

Meanwhile shops including Mario’s Barbers, Green Cafe, Horizon, as well as pubs and bars like The Red Lion and The Luna Lounge will boast prints, photography and paintings.

Ms Douse said now the trail is well-known, traders fall over each other to showcase people’s work.

She said: “First of all they didn’t really understand what was going on but a lot do now and they’re quite annoyed if they don’t get anybody.

“We make connections between artists and local businesses. It certainly brings more people into the area than you’d usually have.

“Some of our artists have gone on to really big things too, winning awards in Europe. It’s gratifying to see that.”

And if people living in Leytonstone want to host some artwork, they will be pleased to hear of a tradition which started five years ago in which residents display their own art in their windows.

The ‘Let’s Fill Leytonstone With Art’ initiative continues all summer long, and Ms Douse said: “It feels like Christmas in the middle of summer with everyone decorating their windows with whatever they can create.

“It really brightens up the streets and puts a smile on the faces of those passing by.”

For more information on events during the trail, please visit www.leytonstoneartstrail.org or pick up a guide from The Stone Space or Leytonstone Library.