FOR the past two weeks Kidderminster has been gripped by music, dance, exhibitions, graffiti art and street theatre as part of the town’s annual arts festival.

Kidderminster Arts Festival (KAF) finished in rain showers last Sunday but despite the bad weather various performances still went ahead as planned.

They included entertainment from acrobatic duo Acrojou, street performer Rimski’s Piano and performances from the Trench Choir.

Inside Kidderminster Town Hall was the Chapel of Victories and the peace cafe, which served free curry as well as promoting peace organisations.

The Wyre Forest District Council-run festival was rounded off with a performance from the fundraiser cabaret band Soul in Motion, formally ReUnited, at Kidderminster Harriers Social Club.

Loz Samuels, arts and play development officer, said: “We have had fantastic support from our partners and we would like to thank them for being part of the event.

“There was a very successful Kids Fest held at St Georges Park, music and dance pieces at Kidderminster College and amazing street art with Above Boards at the Boars Head and a packed outdoor stage on Saturday night.

“We would also like to thank the Harriers for letting us use the venue for the fundraiser cabaret event and Mike and Rita Pugh, who organised it.

“The concert brought in funds which will be put towards next year’s festival and visitors have also been very generous with donations which will help make KAF bigger and better next year.”

The 2015 arts festival will take place from Saturday, August 8, until Saturday, August 22.

As part of KAF a new volunteer scheme, Culture Shapers, was launched and involves a number of organisations looking to improve access to volunteers.

It will create a central pool of people, including voluntary artists, who can work for organisations in the town who are part of the partnership.

Miss Samuels added: “Of course no sooner than we have cleared up after this year’s festival we are thinking about the next.

“If anyone would like to be involved next year please get in touch now as we want to have as many local artists involved as possible so don’t delay.”

For more information about becoming a volunteering as part of the scheme email loz.samuels@wyreforesdc.gov.uk