An exciting fortnight of art and culture kicks off in Kidderminster next Saturday with the launch of the 14th Kidderminster Arts Festival (KAF).

The Festival – which this year has the theme “patterns” - runs from Saturday 12 August until Sunday 27 August and features music, dance, workshops, shows, exhibitions and much more.

Our Summer Street Saturdays will bring wonderful FREE entertainment to the town centre on Saturday 12, 19 and 26 August.

On Saturday 12 August there is a light-hearted puppet show with a pinch of slapstick.  Audiences of all ages will enjoy watching ‘The Alchemist’. Performances are 20 minutes and start at 10.30am, 12.45pm and 2.15pm in Exchange Place. 

Also on Saturday 12 August, Dizzy O’Dare is bringing his hilarious ‘Giant Balloon Show’ to Exchange Place.  There are shows at 11am and 1pm.   ‘Dancing your dreams’, features a bed for a stage and can be seen at 10am, 12.10pm and 2.30pm. You can create your own art too. There are giant chime bars which light up and make music when touched at the top of Worcester Street and there is a chance to get involved in the patterns of Kidderminster project with work with artists outside the Town Hall.

Over the fortnight there are performances at Kidderminster Town Hall too.  Kel Elliot and her Three Man Orchestra is playing on Wednesday 16 August.  Kel is a double bass playing singer, who also likes to tell a story or two!  Tickets are £7. Kidderminster Male Choir will present ‘Last Night of the Proms’ on Saturday 19 August. The audience can expect a patriotic evening of rousing songs, flag waving and sing-along classics. Tickets start at £10.

Running throughout the festival is an exhibition at the Museum of Carpet featuring the work of Lucienne Day.  She was one of Britain’s leading textile designers, who brought contemporary colour to the post war period.

Details of all the events are available in the What’s On section of the KAF website www.kidderminsterartsfestival.org.uk

Dizzy O Dare

Online bookings are already going well and residents and visitors are encouraged to book now for their favourite events by visiting www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk/bookings  or by calling the 01562 732984 between 9.00am and 1.00pm Monday – Friday.  If you cannot get through leave a message and calls will be returned.

Councillor Juliet Smith, Wyre Forest District Council Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Community Protection said:

“This year’s KAF is jam packed with fabulous entertainment for all the family and the majority is free.  From the wonderful street entertainment on Saturdays to the outdoor cinema event in Brinton Park on Sunday 27 August, there is something for everyone!”

Follow KAF on Facebook www.facebook.com/WyreForestArts and Twitter @WyreForestArts

Illumaphonium GirlWEA Arts Etc Vamos 25 Aug