VENUES with a difference are on their way to Watchet as part of an innovative scheme.

Two shipping containers, due to arrive at the quayside on Thursday (August 16), will provide the setting for a performance event and an art exhibition depicting the town’s history.

Production company Theatre Mélange will launch Portrait of a Harbour Town which will take audiences on a journey through Watchet’s past, present and future through the eyes of people who live there.

It is the second of three towns to feature in the ongoing ECHO project, which focuses on the history and character of a place, with Minehead explored last year and  Burnham due to take part in 2013.

The ‘portrait’ will be captured in film, sound and live acting and will run from September 21 to September 30 with three showings a day and room for 18 audience members.

Sandy Maberley, artistic director of Theatre Mélange, said: “The project is mushrooming in a really good way. We are really excited that the containers are coming to Watchet and we look forward to representing the town through light, sound and performance.”

Community interest company Creatives Club has been working with Theatre Mélange and will use the containers for an exhibition afterwards, entitled Contains Art.

This will include work created by artists in the area again built around the theme of characterising Watchet.

Project manager Naomi Griffiths said: “This is such an exciting project. It’s the culmination of a lot of work with the creative industries in the area and the beginning of an exciting new phase.

“Watchet is really starting to become an arts destination and Contains Art will help to cement this opportunity.

“We have been thrilled at the level of support we have had so far and look forward to working closely with people in Watchet on this project.”