NINETY umbrellas can be seen floating above Salisbury High Street in a new art installation.

The canopy of colour, officially opened on Wednesday, will greet locals, shoppers and tourists in Salisbury city centre until the autumn.

The multicoloured brollies are sheltering ten illuminated doves, inspired by Michael Pendry’s installation, Les Colombes, currently on display in Salisbury Cathedral until July 22.

The doves fly among the umbrellas, each carrying a message of hope and peace.

Organiser Salisbury Business Improvement District (BID) hopes the display will prove a talking point and to encourage visitors and locals alike to visit the city centre. Supporting partners are VisitWiltshire, Salisbury City Council, Salisbury Cathedral and Swindon and Wiltshire LEP.

Kara Rogers, BID marketing manager, said: “Our businesses have had a tough year, but this installation will encourage a new spout of optimism, adding another vibrant splash of colour to our beautiful medieval city.

“They should be great come rain or shine!”