A FESTIVAL celebrating the rivers and waterways of Worcestershire has been a huge success with a wide range of artists performing on a bespoke stage.

The Festival By The River runs until Sunday, June 24 at South Quay Worcester.

Tim Eastop, executive producer of the Canal & River Trust’s Arts on the Waterways programme says:

“It’s amazing to have such a rich cast of artists and performers converging on Worcester in June next to the River Severn at South Quay. The canals and rivers here have long been an inspiration to artists from all disciplines.Our waterways are at the heart of the communities here and I’m sure this great programme will illuminate one of our most treasured rivers, making lives better by water.”

The Weorgoran Pavilion has been the stage and centre piece, it is the creation of award-winning art, architecture and design studio NEON as part of The Ring arts programme, which is running throughout spring and summer to celebrate the county’s rivers and canals.

NEON has teamed up with company Shimmerwalls to create the amazing stage especially for the Festival, a sculptural pavilion that takes its inspiration from the ancient origin of the name Worcester as “the people of the winding river”. Made up of100,000 sequins that will move in reaction to air and music as well as shimmer with natural light, it will offer an immersive experience for all who visit it. A highlight was the exciting opening night, headlined by a commissioned soundscape, Shire Skies, created by acclaimed Ledbury-born composer, musician and beatboxer Dave Crowe. He has played at various times through out the 10 days.