SHOPPERS in the city will be strolling to a different beat this week when another batch of local talent takes to the CrownGate Live stage.

The temporary stage in CrownGate's Bell Square has so far hosted jazz duos, string quartets, belly dancers and puppet shows and there is still much more to come.

Last week Caroline Lucas entertained shoppers with folk and world music on the violin. The 21-year-old, of Laugherne Road, St John's, Worcester, encouraged other local musicians to get involved.

"It is quite nerve-wracking at first but then the familiar faces become quite reassuring," she said. "It's great because everyone who plays is local. It's a platform for local people to perform."

Caroline has just finished a music degree at Leeds and is about to embark on a Masters in composing. She hopes to be back on stage for next year's Worcester Festival.

She said: "Most people just wander slowly past. It's not like playing to a still audience so it's different in that way. It's good practice as a musician."

Today 13-year-old saxophone player Sam Pagett will be performing on the Live stage followed by the well-known quartet Ramoray Strings and the two-piece jazz band Smithsodeon.

On Wednesday it will be the last chance to see the Billington Family play hits from the 1960s. The five-piece band are no strangers to Worcester, often playing outside the Guildhall.

Tom Billington, aged 14, said: "We've been getting quite a good crowd.

"It's quite a bit different to a normal booking and I find it much more fun to do."

Tom is joined on stage by his dad Mike on lead vocals and bass, mum Heidi on keyboard and backing vocals and his sisters, 16-year-old Becky who plays rhythm guitar, and 11-year-old Hannah on drums.

A fast-paced comedy show intertwining myths and reality will be staged by Spanner, while the Amusing Nuns - sisters Ruth and Maria who have already being causing a stir at the festival - will be showing their unique style of dancing and live street theatre.

For more information about the CrownGate Live stage call the Worcester Festival box office on 01905 611427 or visit www.worcesterfestival.co.uk