A THREE-DAY music festival kicks off in Worcester today, with a host of local bands set to take centre stage.

Severn Sounds Festival, held in the Pavilion in the Park in Tybridge Street, Worcester, runs until late on Sunday.

Organisers announced Haunted Souls as headliners, and they will be joined by other local bands Done By Sunrise, the Secrets, Of Kings and Captains, Tom Forbes, Sasha McVeigh, Chase the Deer and more.

On Sunday, BBC Radio One’s Big Weekend contender Byron Hare will take to the stage but Saturday’s headlining act is yet to be announced and Worcester's MP Robin Walker is also set to visit.

The festival is organised by local musicians Ben Russell and Scott Howland, and since the first event in 2013, the festival has raised more than £1,800 for Acorns Children’s Hospice, St Richard’s Hospice, New Hope and the Social Housing Young People’s Project in Hereford.

Mr Howland said: “It’s amazing to see this event get bigger every year and we are really appreciative of all the support and help we have had. I can’t wait to see everyone at the event, I’m sure it will be the biggest and best Severn Sounds so far.”

There will be a beer festival running across the three days with a wide selection of ales available.

Sunday is the Family and Arts day where workshops will be held to get people involved with fun musical acts for all ages, and the local youth theatre group WODYS will also make an appearance.

“The event is organised by a committee of volunteers who are all passionate about the arts and live music and want to give Worcestershire people the opportunity to see and hear great, live entertainment and experience a variety of arts workshops, locally,” Mr Russell said.

Although the festival has gotten off to a wet start, it is hoped the weekend will bring more sun, but a marquee is on hand just in case.

All money raised will go to New Hope in Worcester and Acorns Children’s Hospice.