A BUMPER number of district artists are involved in this year's Kidderminster Arts Festival after organisers liaised closely with Wyre Forest Arts Forum.

The two-week extravaganza, which kicks off later this month, includes a world premiere of the short play, Going Nowhere, by Stourport Three Arts Guild, as well as musical shows by the likes of Kidderminster choir, The Valentines, who will perform a family concert at Kidderminster Town Hall on Saturday, July 24.

Going Nowhere is taking place at the same venue on Wednesday, July 22.

Kidderminster Arts Society and Bewdley Baptist Art Group are also taking part in an exhibition in the Corn Exchange of Kidderminster Town Hall for the duration of the extravaganza, as are as Kidderminster-based Senior Art Makers and Bewdley-based Seven Scribes.

"It is a definite highlight that so many local artists are involved this year," said Ms Mayor, who added budding artists would also be given the opportunity to paint the town red with a painting the pavement session on the opening day of the festival. This will be followed by a workshop on creative art for the under-eights, on Friday, July 23.

Ray Harrowing, chairman of the arts forum, which represents around 30 groups in the district, said this was the first time his organisation had co-operated so closely with the district council on the project.

"We hope that with both organisations on board it will be very successful, mixing local artists and performers with groups that will be brought in from further afield," he said.

One such performer who is set to delight the crowds, according to Ms Mayor, is tightrope walker and acrobat, Dr Southall, from Glossop, who is appearing at Kidderminster Town Hall on Tuesday, July 27.

"I've seen him and he was really funny. The kids love him," she said.

More information for any of the events can be obtained by calling 01562 732977. Places can be booked on workshops by calling 01562 732984.

Programme of events

MONDAY, JULY 19: Painting the pavement - turn up and join in, outside Town Hall. Weapons of Sound - performance, Town Hall. Weapons of Sound - workshop, Corn Exchange. Graffiti - workshop, outside Town Hall.

TUESDAY, JULY 20: Worcester Art Workshop - turn up and join in, outside Town Hall. ACE Dance - workshop, Corn Exchange. ACE Dance - performance, Town Hall.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 21: The Sneakers - performances, outside. Stourport Three Arts Guild - performance, Town Hall.

THURSDAY, JULY 22: Bangers and Mash Theatre Co - performance, Corn Exchange. Nachda - performance, Town Hall. Nachda - workshop, Corn Exchange.

FRIDAY, JULY 23: Creative Art for Under 8s - workshop, Corn Exchange. Blue Sky Puppet Theatre - performance, Town Hall.

SATURDAY, JULY 24: Butterfly Puppet Theatre - performance, Corn Exchange. The Valentines - performance, Town Hall.

MONDAY, JULY 26: Blue Sky Puppet Theatre - performance, Town Hall. Puppet Workshop - workshop, Town Hall. Wyre Forest Discovery Centre - workshop, Corn Exchange. New Dimensional Experience Choir - performance, Town Hall.

TUESDAY, JULY 27: Dr Southall - performances, Town Hall.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 28: Play in a day - workshop, Town Hall.

THURSDAY, JULY 29: Popstar workshop 8-12 - workshop, Corn Exchange. Popstar workshop 12+ - workshop, Corn Exchange. Do-Day!!! - turn up and join in, Town Hall.