A NEW cultural venue in Somerset is opening TODAY.

East Quay in Watchet, which was due to open on September 4, will be opening today from noon today (September 20).

The Onion Collective, who has been constructing the complex near Watchet Harbour, said the delay was due to 'labour and supply challenges'.

READ MORE: Opening of East Quay in Watchet delayed due to labour and supply challenges

East Quay is opening for Somerset Art Weeks, with an exhibition called More Together Than Alone.

READ MORE: More than 300 artists take part in Somerset Open Studios 2021

A spokesperson from the Onion Collective said: "We are proud to announce East Quay will be opening for a preview and for Somerset Arts Works: Open Studios.

"You will be welcome to explore to the ground and first floors, including galleries, artist studios, restaurant and courtyard space.

"The second floor and accommodation pods will be opening later in the year when we will launch the building in full."

The building is not yet complete, with the lift to the first floor not due to be operational until later this week.

The exhibition, which runs until November 21, artist Neville Gabie will be reflecting on the theme - More Together Than Alone.

"The exhibition is not about the pandemic, but it has certainly been shaped by its presence," added the spokesperson.

"Neville began inviting everyone locally, to express their understanding and feelings of community by creating artworks in bottles.

"Taken from the coastal tradition of ships in bottles, using modest materials at hand, people have embraced the challenge, whatever their age and skill.

"The steady flow of bottles, made by those in Watchet, has become his window into the values, treasured activities, hopes and emotions of the town.

"Contributions depict everything from the absurdity of the annual wheelbarrow race to the much-maligned mud in the harbour.

"From these thoughtful as well as playful contributions, Neville was able to think about community from his personal perspective and they have been instrumental in shaping his own artworks for the exhibition."

Deanna Payne, a performance poet and artist, and Suzanne Lacy, who works with people and the community, will also be showcasing their work.

To find out more about East Quay, visit eastquaywatchet.co.uk.