Worcester News, Worcester Sport, Worcester Leisure - From The Worcester News

Second arts festival pulls in big crowds

From the archive, first published Thursday 29th Jul 2004.

HUNDREDS of children have been painting the town red in the second annual Kidderminster Arts Festival.

A feast of activities kicked off on Monday, July 19, when throngs of children took to the streets to decorate the pavement outside Kidderminster Town Hall. A performance by junk percussion group, Weapons of Sound, ensued.

These rapturously received events were followed by graffiti and dance workshops, as well as performances by off-the-wall comedy band, The Sneakers, and Bangers and Mash Theatre Company - all of which went down a treat, according to arts and play development officer at Wyre Forest District Council, Julie Mayor.

"It's been going really well," Ms Mayor said.

"We've just finished a performance of Bangers and Mash and there were about 250 people there - mainly children - who were shouting, screaming and pointing and absolutely loving it."

She added: "We've also had Worcester Arts Workshop making hand-painted tissue-paper flowers with the kids which were wrapped outside the rails outside the town hall and looked brilliant."

Ms Mayor, who handpicked most of the events, added this year's extravaganza, which is running in the first two weeks of the school holidays, had built on its 54-day predecessor.

"We've seen a lot of the same faces enjoying what's been going on this year as last year," she said.

"I think people are really enjoying it and parents are delighted that there is some free entertainment for their children, especially with it being the summer holidays. It's difficult to know what to do and where to go so I think people are glad there is something right on their doorsteps."

She said hundreds of people had also viewed the temporary art exhibition in the Corn Exchange of the town hall. The display features hundreds of paintings by district artists, including members of Kidderminster Arts Society and Bewdley Baptist Art Group and is on show at the venue until KAF draws to a close tomorrow.

Popstar workshops are also taking place in the Corn Exchange at 11am and 3pm today. A do-day will round off the event tomorrow.

More information on any of the activities can be obtained by calling Ms Mayor on 01562 732977.

Archive Home