AN influx of more than 400 international visitors arriving for the launch of the UK’s first non-competitive choral festival for young singers is set to give the area a huge economic boost.

The Worcester International Festival for Young Singers (WIFYS) launches in July and organisers are working closely with Worcester City Council and local businesses to make sure the influx of visitors benefits the local ecomony.

Ruth Mullen, corporate director for service delivery at the city council, said: “We’re delighted that the International Festival for Young Singers is coming to Worcester.

“The festival will introduce hundreds of new international and UK visitors to the city and make world class music available to a whole new audience.

“It is very good news for the local economy and provides an amazing opportunity for young singers in Worcestershire.”

A total of 10 choirs from nine different countries including Hong Kong, Poland, Russia, Lithuania, the Czech Republic and Spain, will be singing and performing in venues throughout Worcester city and across the county during the week of July 19 and 27.

Organisers SingUK have also been working closely with other county leaders to maximise the impact on the local economy.

Sing UK operations director Anne Renshaw said: “The students, their choir leaders, conductors and everyone associated with WIFYS will be staying in accommodation in the city including the university as well as the Malvern Hills Outdoor Activity Centre.

“We are planning the festival so that the international visitors have the chance to fully explore the beauty, culture and history of Worcestershire, to ensure that our county really leaves its mark on them all.”

The Travelodge in Cathedral Plaza, Worcester, has already been booked up by the festival organisers, with most of its 92 rooms being taken by international guests.

WIFYS runs in Worcester between Friday, July 19, and Saturday, July 27.

For more information and a full programme of event visit singuk.org/ wifys.