A GUN belches fire and its roar shatters the tranquillity around Worcester Catheral.

It's the spine-tingling signal that the fourth annual Worcester Festival has begun.

Two 105mm light guns, manned by the Territorial Army's 214 Battery (Royal Artillery) were fired in unison with the ringing of church bells to officially declare open the fortnight of fun.

Your Worcester News will be following the festival every day, bringing you news, reviews and our essential what's on diary.