CROWDS of music fans basked in the sunshine as one of Worcester's biggest music events got off to a flying start.

Top jazz act Kenny Ball And His Jazzmen kicked off the Party In The Park in the gardens of Bar Bamboo on Tybridge Street yesterday.

Dressed in matching cream suits, they rolled through some of their best known hits, including 1962 number So Do I, alongside tunes such as a cover of Louis Armstrong's Jeepers Creepers, and even Beethoven's Fur Elise.

The two-day festival was organised by Bishop Perowne CE High School teacher Steve High, Bar Bamboo and Drummond's Bar in New Street, Worcester.

Organisers estimated more than 300 people turned up to see the charity event's opening performances.

Mr High said: "What a tremendous start to the event with Kenny Ball, and it's just going to get better.

"We've attracted people from across the age range. When you have an event like this, with city venues coming together for live music, it is absolutely brilliant."

Speaking before their early-afternoon set, Drifters' lead vocalist David Lee Andrews said the band were delighted to be playing.

"We're definitely thrilled to be able to support the cause."

Yesterday also included sets from acts that included Abbalike, the Official Receivers, Soul Satisfaction, King Pleasure And The Biscuit Boys and the Bandit Beatles.

Today's line-up was including sets from Taxi, Christian Rozells, the Velvet Trick, the Tights, Panic Room, the Jules Benjamin Band, Skint, Medford and Born In Chicago.

Worcester's Marr's Bar manager Brian Marr is even set to get in on the act - his band Funky Skunk are playing.

Tickets were still available today. Price £10 on the door or from Marr's Bar, Pierpoint Street; Music City, The Tything; Keystones, Copenhagen Street and Drummond's Bar.