HUNTINGDON Art's larger than life director Chris Jaeger belts across the Swan Theatre foyer, "this isn't a music festival, nor an arts festival - it is a celebration of life."

It's the launch of the second Worcester Festival, which hits the Faithful City next month, and putting pay to criticism he received about the lack of big names at last year's extravaganza, he excitedly announces Elkie Brooks is coming to town.

The gravel-voiced comeback queen, who re-emerged with a vengeance via the music reality TV show Reborn in the USA, graces the Swan Theatre on Saturday, August 14 with a selection of pop, rock, ballads, blues and jazz numbers from the 60s through to her latest work.

But that's just the tip of the iceberg, with the 17-day festival comprising 171 events - 46 specifically for children, 71 of which are free, and 44 priced a fiver or less - ensuring the city spectacle puts Worcester firmly on the cultural map.

The festival kicks off on the 14 with a grand opening procession through the streets of Worcester, led by infectious bhangra/samba hip-hop band Sambangra, who will also perform at Huntingdon Hall later in the evening.

With fingers crossed that the weather will be as good as last year, onlookers can join in while taking in the sights of Percy, the Festival Peacock and the 16-ft tall Street Walkers, who took part in the 2002 Commonwealth Games and the millennium celebrations at the Dome.

Accompanied by a glass or two of the good stuff, of course, courtesy of the sixth Worcester Beer and Cider Festival, which finishes its three-day stint at the Racecourse on the first day of Worcester Festival.

On Sunday, 15, artsworcs will create WOW! - Worcester Orchestra of the World - made up of, well, anyone over 18 who comes along with their instrument or voice and wants to try their hand at the Breakfast Samba, Belly-Dance music from Macedonia, a Swedish Waltz or an East African Rain Song.

Taking things down a step, festival-goers can take a brisk walk in the footsteps of Sir Edward Elgar, passing through the homes of his close friends and less well-known areas of Worcester's past.

Riversides are undoubtedly made for easels and on Sunday 15, 22 and 29, artists will be a picture as they show and sell their wares on the banks of the River Severn - it was so popular last year, organisers extended this year's market to three days.

Sauce City Band will kick off Music at the Fountains with live, traditional jazz down at South Quay on Sunday, 15, followed by Shadow in the Sun, Kate O'Mara and Patricia Shakesby's account of events leading up to the execution of Mary Queen of Scots, at The Swan.

New Georgia Jazz Band will take centre stage in CrownGate for the first time on Monday, 16, while Worcester's first ever ScriptSlam - eight professional county writers going head to head to write four new plays in a week - takes place at The Marr's Bar, Pierpoint Street in the evening.

On Thursday, 19, spectacular traditional and contemporary floral displays will transform Worcester Cathedral, and later on, the Swan Theatre Amateur Company performs the first of three performances of Shirley Valentine

at The Moors venue.

Meanwhile, the Melting Pot Company will be getting to grip with Shakespeare's Othello at Huntingdon Hall and church singers will be climbing into their costumes for music and readings from the Victorian Age at Old St Martin's, the Cornmarket.

Other highlights of the festival include an Australian Film Festival, thigh slapping folk/country duo Spin Dwyers on the CrownGate live stage and a double whammy of Singalonga Joseph and Rocky Horror at The Swan (Mr Jaeger assured us his suspenders will be ready).

There is also masses for the kiddy-winks, with funky face painters, the Masquerade Drama Summer School, Crackers the Clown, a Festival Activity Week, Young Rangers Club Wildlife Games 2004, Philippe Philoppe, Punch and Judy and Boo Boo The Clown.

For a full list of events, times and ticket prices call 01905 611427 or visit www.worcesterfestival.com