THE countdown to the fourth Worcester Festival has begun.

With more than 300 events packed into a spectacular 17 days there are more things to see, do, and take part in than ever before.

More than half the events are free, 55 under £5 and 107 are specifically for children.

The festival starts on Saturday, August 12 and the heart of Worcester will come alive with everything from circus skills to birds of prey.

Live music and street performances start at 10am and the official opening, at 3pm, will be marked by a 214 Battery Gun Salute by the Fountains at South Quay.

An intriguing stilt walker, Sir Lupin of Pipwithers, will entertain shoppers while looking for his horse and star of The Royle Family actor Ricky Tomlinson is off the sofa and in the Swan Theatre.

An Evening With Ricky will be hosted by stand up comedian Tony Barton, who will hold a light-hearted interview.

The audience will listen to his celebrity anecdotes and get an interesting insight into the man behind some of TV's most popular characters.

Also performing on the opening day is London's leading Latin Salsa band Palenke.

Chris Jaeger, festival director, said: "This year more than ever before we've got the widest programme possible packed in to two weeks. We've got more than 300 events planned across the city, bringing music, drama, dance, art, history, horticulture and many other live events into the city centre for the people of Worcestershire.

"The festival really is a fantastic opportunity for the city to come together and enjoy this holiday month. I hope everyone has a wonderful time and don't forget to join us for the finale fireworks party at South Quay on Bank Holiday Monday"

The Worcester Festival programme was launched on Monday, with the help of Percy the peacock. Made by Kate Brooks, visual arts project officer at the Worcester Arts Workshop, Percy is based on a full Caribbean carnival peacock and took three months to make.

The programme will be delivered with the Berrows Journal, and is also available from Huntingdon Hall box office, the Swan Theatre, the Tourist Information Centre, and many city centre shops.

For more information keep reading the Worcester News and visit www.worcesterfestival.co.uk