Wanganui Arts Society is hosting an evening of poetry, music and storytelling at its gallery next week.
Wanganui Tales & Yarns will be held at Cooks Gallery at 7.30pm on September 3.
Rob Davies from the Wanganui Arts Society said everyone was welcome to come along, enjoy a hot drink, and participate, either as an audience member or a performer. "It's about sharing songs, poetry and stories, particularly with a Wanganui flavour," Mr Davies said.
"We're measuring interest in holding this as a regular event, possibly fortnightly or monthly."
The evening will feature Wanganui Arts Society president Rei Hendry offering stories about the historic building that houses Cooks Gallery, and internationally recognised musician and storyteller Christopher Cape.
Mr Cape, who recently moved to Wanganui, won an award at the National Australian Bush Poetry Association championships in 2009. He has started up storytelling, music and poetry groups throughout the country.
"It's a brilliant way of preserving the history of a place, which is something very close to my heart," Mr Cape said.
He said Wanganui Tales & Yarns came about after he met Mr Davies and heard about the Cooks Gallery building.
"I thought there would be some interest in this kind of event, as a lot of Wanganui people are interested in heritage and history.
"While I see that there are a number of groups devoted to music and history here I believe there are people who don't find space to air their talents. This event will bring some of that talent out of the shadows, I hope."
The two men said they hoped to develop a picture of Wanganui's history through poetry, music and storytelling.
Cooks Gallery is located on Trafalgar Place, off Ridgway St, behind Holdaways Clutch and Brakes.