Dave's got a Berry tough job

Now a veteran rock 'n' roller, the Dronfield-based singer still has a distinctive look about him – and one which has surely been giving local artists a challenge as they prepare for one of Sheffield's most prestigious art events this weekend.

As well as opening Art In The Gardens tonight, Crying Game star Dave is also the subject of the annual celebrity portrait competition at the Botanical Gardens gathering.

Tomorrow and Sunday thousands of people will flood through the gates at the city beauty spot. The portrait competition will be judged by Dave on Sunday afternoon when he will come face-to-face with dozens of paintings of himself done by professional and amateur artists.

"Artists of every discipline and status are gearing up for a fabulous event," says event co-organiser Anne Barron, a local artist. "We're so grateful to have Dave Berry as the star of our show – we're looking for the best event in our four-year history."

Art In The Gardens has rapidly grown in size and reputation since it began as a mainly local showcase. It now attracts artists from London and the south and aims to make art more accessible to all.

Last year more than 20,000 people turned out in spite of challenging weather conditions to see more than 4,000 pieces of art from 350 different artists.

The event remains one of the few in the country to feature hobby artists and professionals and is a great crowd-puller with its family atmosphere, which includes an art and craft market, workshops, performing arts and a children's art competition as part of a dedicated Children's Village section.

Art In The Gardens runs from 10.30am-5.30pm, Saturday and Sunday. Entry is 4 for adults, accompanied children free.The Friday preview evening starts at 7pm with tickets costing 6 each and available on the gate. For more information, call: 0114 274 6839.