A CHANCE to see talented local artists live is on offer this afternoon at the Band Together charity festival at Cripplegate Park. 

The community-run festival began at 1pm and is showing top quality performances from ten musicians or bands until 9pm. 

Organisers are hoping to raise £5,000 to be split between Maggs Day Centre and The Worcester Street Café, which both support the homeless and vulnerable in Worcestershire. 

The festival was the brainchild of Chewie and Ruth Beard 18 months ago, and organisers have been spending the past year holding fund-raisers to put the wheels in motion.

Emma Chalkley and daughter Mille enjoy the funEmma Chalkley and daughter Mille enjoy the fun (Image: Ryan Smith at Newsquest)  

Chewie, is also performing at the festival, is a volunteer at Maggs Day Centre. 

Organiser Laura Todd is thrilled the festival has happened. Organiser Laura Todd is thrilled the festival has happened. (Image: Ryan Smith at Newsquest)

Fellow organiser Laura Todd told the Worcester News: "I am really relieved everything has come together.

"The festival is great and people seem to be really enjoying it so far. 

"The weather is fantastic so everything seems to be going our way. 

"There have been plenty of obstacles to overcome but we are raising money for really good causes so all the effort has been worth it in the end."

Performers at the festival include The Hill's Angels, Jiksaw, Ruben Seabright, Capas and The Mess They Left Behind. 

PIZZA TIME- Harrison Grinnell, Sean Watson and Jake Hamblett from Fabioni's Pizza.PIZZA TIME- Harrison Grinnell, Sean Watson and Jake Hamblett from Fabioni's Pizza. (Image: Ryan Smith at Newsquest)

There is also plenty of food on offer, including Fabioni's Pizza, Hillbilly's Street Kitchen and vegetarian offers at Veg Life, with coffee served at LilyBeans Coffee. 

And a cool drink on a hot summer day can be enjoyed at the Pig on the Hill bar, The Thirsty Shepherdess or Penny's Vintage Bar.

Youngsters are also able to enjoy free children's activities as well as have their face painted. 

Lucy Windmill from Enchanted Faces UK said she was approached to help out today and was thrilled to be able to give her time for a good cause. 

Young Ella Nicholas is thrilled with her face painting from Enchanted Faces UK.Young Ella Nicholas is thrilled with her face painting from Enchanted Faces UK. (Image: Ryan Smith at Newsquest)

Other stalls at the festival include the Ruckus alternative jewellery store and Craft Crazy.