A STUNNING array of activities for children and adults of all ages is coming to Wyre Forest in the second annual Kidderminster Arts Festival.

Following the success of last year's launch, which saw more than 400 Wyre Forest folk learn the ancient Punjabi art of bhangra dancing, the fun-filled sequel kicks off on Monday, July 19.

Julie Mayor, arts and play development officer at Wyre Forest District Council, said she expected this year's event - which includes workshops on graffiti, pop stars and puppetry, as well as music, art and acting - to be "bigger and better" than its predecessor, which lasted 54 days.

The spectacular, which runs in the first two weeks of the school holidays at an estimated cost of £8,000, will also feature a bumper exhibition of hundreds of paintings by district artists in the Corn Exchange of Kidderminster Town Hall.

"It starts with the most fantastic junk percussion group called Weapons of Sound and they bang on industrial waste, like gas pipes, and they're putting on a workshop so the audience can get involved and it's going to be brilliant," said Ms Mayor, who handpicked most of the events scheduled.

She added: "We decided to condense the activities into two weeks to occupy people's time as much as possible and hope that by kicking it off with something so exciting, people will keep coming back for more.

"I know I said this last year but there really is going to be something for everyone."

She said Birmingham-based Nachda Sansaar dance troupe would make a welcome return to the town on Thursday, July 22.

"They are coming back because they went down so well last year and everyone enjoyed it so much."

She added other highlights of the spectacular, which has been funded by a £5,000 grant from West Midland Arts Council, as well as district council cash, would include performances by three-piece comedy band, Sneakers, and Blue Sky Puppet Theatre.

"Last year's event was a big success, with the audience at some events reaching 1,000 people and, obviously, we wanted to do it again because there was such a buzz in the town.

"The feedback was great, without exception, and people were really happy there was something happening in the town."

She added: "There is more on this year and there has been much more local involvement through Wyre Forest Arts Forum, who we have been liasing with closely.

"Like last year, all the events are free so there is no excuse to sit in and watch the television."

More information and tickets can be obtained by calling Ms Mayor on 01562 732977.