A new attraction has been launched in Cheltenham aimed at encouraging more shoppers and visitors to the town centre.

The Lamp Post Trail, supported by Cheltenham Business Improvement District (BID), starts in Montpellier and goes via The Promenade, The Wilson and The Brewery Quarter along the High Street to Grosvenor Terrace and The Strand.

The 10 pieces of art on show vary enormously but have one thing in common - they are all attached to lamp posts.

From a minimalist sculpture and refuse-sack ball gown to wrap-around graphic panels and spray-painted street art, these temporary installations have all been made by artists working locally.

They are helping to promote the 10th Cheltenham Open Studios event, COS17, where artists open their doors to the public to celebrate the visual art being made in the area.

BID Director Kevan Blackadder (pictured) said: "All the lamp posts are numbered and labelled, which will give everyone the chance to follow this fascinating trail around the town.

"We're keen for people who are in Cheltenham for whatever reason to experience everything the town centre has to offer."

Project manager Niki Whitfield said: "We are really grateful for the support of Cheltenham BID, Cheltenham Borough Council and Gloucestershire County Council for giving us the opportunity to promote the COS17 art trail in such a fun and direct way.

"It's always interesting to see art taken out of a gallery setting and onto the streets. We hope everyone visiting the town centre, this summer, will enjoy it."

Punchline wishes Cheltenham every success with the Lamp Post Trail but cannot help but wonder if it is the poor cousin to the 2015 Scrumpty Sculpture Trail and this year's Henson Pig Trail in Gloucester.

We wholeheartedly congratulate Gloucester City Council on supporting Marketing Gloucester, a move that is paying dividends with tourists coming from all parts of the UK to visit the city and boosting the local economy.

What do you think? Email mark@moosemarketingandpr.co.uk 

Picture: One of the lamp posts on the trail (submitted image)