City gets set for its fifth festival

Sam Malone

26 June 2008

CITY residents are urged to check their diaries and make space for hundreds of free events which are due to take place when the 2008 Worcester Festival kicks off in a few weeks' time.
From Saturday, August 2 to Monday, August 25, a total of 374 different events, displays and activities will be held in more than 50 venues across the city making this year's festival the biggest in its history.
In what will be its fifth year of bringing exciting live entertainment to the streets of Worcester, this summer's festival runs for a week longer than ever before and also includes The Worcester Live Music Festival for the first time.
Chris Jaeger, festival director, said: “This year is going to be a huge year for the Worcester Festival.
“With the extra week running to coincide with the opening week of the Three Choirs, Worcester is going to be bursting with thousands of visitors, musicians and performers from all over the world. We are very proud of our city and the spirit of the Worcester Festival brings that vividly to life.”
The festival will kick off with a flurry of colourful performers and free events across the city including live street theatre, Chinese Dragon dance displays, live bands, comedy shows and a free fireworks display down by the river which will mark the opening of both the Three Choirs and the Worcester Festival.
Highlights for this year include a film festival at The Swan Theatre featuring an exclusive special screening of the British film Ruby Blue starring Bob Hoskins with a chance to quiz the film's director and writer in a special session afterwards. A bumper edition of CAMRA's Beer, Cider and Perry Festival will feature an array of top tipples to try. And an amazing Balloon Festival Night Glow event where hot air balloons in all shapes and sizes will descend onto Pitchcroft during the CAMRA festival - the balloons will also take off at 6.15am so early birds get the chance to see the sunrise over the city.
Other events include free face painting, the chance to paint your own mug, puppet and mask making workshops and a special pottery workshop with Jon the flying potter where children can take part in a drop in clay workshop all in Bell Square in CrownGate Shopping Centre.
Popular children's entertainer Mary Baulk will also be returning with her puppet show and circus skills maestro Steve Kaos will be on hand to teach mum, dad and youngsters how to be a circus performer.
The Swan Theatre will also host a wide range of professional dance, drama and musical theatre workshops, however places are limited so those interested are advised to book their place early.
The full Worcester Festival programme of events has already been delivered to 90,000 city homes but for those yet to receive one they are available from the box offices at either Huntingdon Hall or The Swan Theatre and at tourism information centres, shops, pubs and cafés.

Planner memorial agreed»

Thumbs down for Tesco plans»

Teen rescued from railway»

Teen pregnancies are higher than average»

City consortium to hold forum»

Clive bags climbing milestone»

It’s a berry good idea»

City gets set for its fifth festival»

Led Zep tribute to rock the Swan»

Choir set for cathedral date»

Get ready for school to rock»

Fun and safety»

Task group gets low down on hot meals»

Popular jazz festival to take over the town»

New training centre opened»

Firm is fined for fly tipping»

Play area set to get a fun new look»

Help us to honour Emily, family plea»

Boat man brings his friend home»

Waterfront work will soon begin»