This Saturday, a new art gallery for Great Yarmouth opens its doors to the public for the very first time.

The Yare Gallery is located on South Quay in what was previously the Nelson Museum. Building owners, The Great Yarmouth Preservation Trust, have repurposed the venue as a new, free to enter, art gallery that will show local and international art.

To celebrate the launch, The Yare Gallery is holding some special events, inviting visitors to explore the gallery space, take part in activities and enjoy their first exhibition, WEATHERING: NEW ART FROM EAST ANGLIA.

The opening exhibition features the work of the Yarmouth 5, artists Katarzyna Coleman, Bridget Heriz, John Kiki, Emrys Parry and Brüer Tidman plus works by other artists from across the region.

WEATHERING will celebrate several generations of artists currently active in East Anglia, showcasing the work of over 20 artists working mostly with painting, sculpture, textiles and ceramics.

As part of the launch week, gallery curator Dr Sarah Lowndes will host a free lunchtime talk on the Weathering exhibition on Wednesday 2 June, 1-2pm.

On Thursday 3 June, artist Holly Sandiford, whose work features in the exhibition, will host a free family friendly drop-in art session, 1-3pm. Holly will assist visitors in printing plates using natural materials from Great Yarmouth to create circular landscapes, which look like planets.

There will also be a free family art trail running available every day during gallery opening hours.

Curator, Sarah Lowndes, said: “This beautiful, light-filled building is the perfect setting for local and international art. Our first exhibition has been installed, and looks fantastic – we can’t wait to share it with you.

“The Yare Gallery is committed to improving accessibility to art and culture to everybody. Our exhibitions will be free to enter and we will be working in partnership with other local organisations to encourage people to visit and enjoy the space.

“We look forward to welcoming everyone to enjoy this brilliant new venue and its inspirational art.”

The gallery opens Tuesday – Saturday, 10am – 4pm each week. Admission is free.

Weathering will run for six weeks, and will be followed by a changing programme of exhibitions by local and international artists and events throughout the year, including talks and community activities.

The Gallery is funded by the Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage. The Culture Recovery Fund is being delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic England, using funds provided by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

To keep up to date with events and exhibitions at The Yare Gallery, visit yare.org.uk to sign up to their regular e-newsletter and to follow the gallery on social media.