A RIOT of colourful and impressive visual art exhibitions stopped people in their tracks over the weekend.

The Museum of the Moon in St John's Church, a giant whale, a mythical seafaring creature and a chariot-riding Boudicca were some of the highlights at this year's Llandudno Arts Weekend - LLAWN06.

The sixth art event was held over three days. Activities this year centred around culture, people, the sea and space with the theme being Ecology.

Figures revealed that about 16,000 visitors interacted or engaged with events.

Lin Cummins, audience relations manager at Oriel Mostyn Gallery in Llandudno, said: "Every year is different. LLAWN is becoming a fixture on the North Wales calendar.

"One thing that shocked me is the intimate experiences - such as the metal whale [which 'swallows' its audiences] on the prom. I sat in with two other people and my dog, and then, in comparison, the big communal experiences - those that make you say 'wow'.

"It was such a success. We don't have a huge budget for marketing so we rely on word of mouth. I would like to thank everyone for their support - the community, volunteers and those who came. A lot of work goes on behind the scenes."

The multi-arts festival is funded by National Lottery through the Arts Council of Wales, Mostyn Estates, Conwy County Borough Council, Arts and Business Cymru and Llandudno Town Council.

As well as visual art exhibitions, there were workshops, music, dance, a cinema and performances.

Alfredo Cramerotti, director of Oriel Mostyn Gallery, said: "The standard of artists and companies engaged this year has been particularly high and judging by the reactions of visitors, they thoroughly enjoyed our inspiring mix of entertaining and thought-provoking experiences and activities.

"We wanted people to stop and think so, from messages about looking after our coastlines to discovering the hidden faces of Llandudno’s hospitality trade there were elements of ecology running throughout the festival. But, more than that, we wanted to bring people joy and fun and LLAWN06 has delivered that."