THIS Saturday the 22nd Worcester Festival begins so expect 17 days filled with lots of exciting things to see and do.

The mayor of Worcester will officially open the festival at 11am outside the Guildhall and shortly after the Gugge Band will return, filling the High Street with their unique, toe-tapping music!

This year’s festival has more than 600 events with hundreds of them free to participate in.

There really is something for everyone with a fun run, competitions, crafting sessions, exhibitions, craft sales, family fun days, guided tours, live music and much more.

There are so many different locations getting involved this year, including Worcester Cathedral, Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum, Museum of Royal Worcester, The Commandery, Hartlebury Castle, Spetchley Park Gardens and many more.

This year sees the return of the Worcester Festival Virtual Balloon Race where you could be in with a chance of winning one of four fabulous prizes, including a family pass to West Midlands Safari Park, a family pass to Spetchley Park Gardens, a family pass to Attwell Farm Park, jive lessons at Cool Moves Dance or an on barrel tasting experience at Bottles Wine Shop!

To take part all you need to do is purchase your virtual balloon at www.balloonrace.net/wozu or pop into the POD in Crowngate Shopping Centre to buy in person.

Each balloon costs £3 and the race starts on August 26.

The virtual balloon race is an eco-friendly alternative to the traditional contest and provides fundraising income for the Worcester Festival.

On each of the Fridays of the festival bring your pockets full of change (or bank cards) as there will be a special village fete in the Crowngate POD featuring the Worcester Festival Tombola, guess the name of the bear, guess how many sweets in the jar, hook a duck, lucky dip, tin can alley and many more traditional and fun games to come and play for just 50p or £1 a go.

The festival’s favourite ladies, Jo and Jane from Funky Faces face painters, will also be there offering free face painting to everyone (grown ups too!).

When you pick up your copy of the Worcester Festival guide be sure to check out the article about how to do the 17 days of the festival for a family of four for £67.50.

It’s the perfect guide to having a fabulous summer holiday for you and your family on a budget.

For more information about this year’s Worcester Festival and to see what events are happening, pick up an event guide from the Tourist Information Centre or visit the website at www.worcesterfestival.co.uk.