THE magic of Christmas was made a little more special for hundreds of Worcester youngsters at a special event featuring performances by a host of music stars.

The Kidz Live event at Worcester University Arena on Monday, December 22 saw about 1,400 youngsters – along with their Mums and Dads – enjoy a star-studded afternoon of music and entertainment featuring appearances by celebs including X Factor stars Jake Quickenden and Laren Platt.

The event, now in its second year, was arranged by Worcester Community Trust and also featured performances by Britain’s Got Talent Stavros Flatley, Worcester band Chase the Deer – who were specially picked to open the event by Worcester MP Robin Walker – and a one-off performance by the cast of West End show The Lion King.

A special recorded message by TV presenters Ant and Dec was also played at the event.

The trust’s interim chief executive Simon Murphy said the event was “fantastic”.

“The kids really seemed to enjoy it,” he said.

“Jake Quickenden went down particularly well. There were lots of screams when he came out.

“Laren Platt sang beautifully as well.”

Last year’s inaugural Kidz Live event was held after a group of youngsters involved with the community trust said they would like the chance to attend a pop concert, and proved such a success it is now planned to become an annual fixture.

Mr Murphy said: “This is what Worcester Community Trust is all about.

“It’s about listening to the kids.”

He added he was grateful to a host of city businesses who had helped set up and run the event, including Worcester Bosch, Bushwackers, the university arena itself.

“It’s really a team effort, and that’s what Worcester does best,” he said.

Worcester Community Trust runs community centres and activities throughout the city with the intention of strengthening links in the community. For more information visit www.worcestercommunitytrust.org.uk.