CULTURE vultures in Wyre Forest are being told to "expect the unexpected" in the third annual Kidderminster Arts Festival which takes place next month.

The fun-filled festival starts on Monday, July 25, with pavement painting and a dynamic showcase of international drumming techniques including African, Caribbean and Indian styles.

The extravaganza, which runs until August 4, will also include dance and music workshops, street theatre and unique musical shows by groups including junk percussion maestros Weapons of Sound who are back by popular demand on Thursday, August 4.

All the activities, organised by Wyre Forest District Council, are happening in Kidderminster town centre venues, including the town hall - celebrating its 150th anniversary - and the library.

A sensational launch day will feature Paint The Pavement, Drum Love and Have a Go Radio, while a Do-Day on Tuesday, July 26, will enable children to try their hands at different arts and crafts.

Choreography and pop dance workshops will follow on Wednesday, July 27 and Puss In Boots will be performed at Kidderminster Town Hall on Thursday, July 28.

The same day, aspiring West End actors and actresses can take part in a West End workshop for the over-13s.

A pop singing workshop the following day, Friday, July 29, will lead into a high-octane show on Saturday, July 30, by 30-piece band Carnival Collective, whose show combines Brazilian Percussion with ska, Jungle, reggae and hip-hop vibes.

The final week of the festival will include a performance by top break dance crew, Physical Jerks, as well as a break dance workshop and the Pirate Pete Puppet Show for under eights.

The district council's arts and play development officer, Loz Samuels, said the festival was a "great way to get local talent and new performers on show".

She added the festival had been generously sponsored by Weavers Wharf and The Swan Centre and it was hoped other sponsors would come forward to help the festival to grow.

"This is my first big project for Wyre Forest and I'm really looking forward to it ... you can expect the unexpected," said the recently appointed officer, adding that among the many acts was a troupe of buskers that would be performing around the town centre.

Throughout the festival, a photography exhibition by Stourport Civic Society will be on show at Kidderminster Town Hall and images captured by the artist Andy Goldsworthy will be on display at Kidderminster Library.

Users of the Odell Centre in Kidderminster have also made a six foot three-dimensional tree of life that will also be on show at the library.

The district council's cabinet member for community and leisure services, councillor Nathan Desmond, added: "From carnival bands to break dancers and mobile cinemas, there is something for every age and many of the activities are free and we hope as many people as possible will join in the fun."

More information on the festival can be obtained by calling 01562 732984.

The Shuttle/Times & News will also be providing further details on the packed programme in the coming weeks.