A wealth of quality musicians are preparing to descend on Worcester, from salsa music and top cover bands to some of today's most accomplished folk and blues artists.

The city's Huntingdon Arts has unveiled its line-up of acts for spring and is promising something for everyone at its venues at Huntingdon Hall and the Swan Theatre.

The new season kicks off in style on Thursday, March 2, with two of the biggest names on the folk circuit - Christine Collister and Dave Kelly - making a rare appearance together.

Folk fans will also be in for a further treat when BBC Radio 2 Folk Award nominees Bellowhead put in an appearance on Friday, April 7, followed by folk greats Fairport Convention on Friday, May 12.

Not short on big names, The Hamsters - who are now in their 20th year together and have performed more than 3,500 concerts - will also be coming to Huntingdon Hall on Thursday, March 9.

Shortly after - on Tuesday, April 4 - audiences will be whisked back to the 60s as The Zombies play Huntingdon Hall. The group had hits with tunes including She's Not There and carved a niche in the music world with their brand of pop music.

Eighties star Elkie Brooks is set to hit the stage to perform songs including her number five hit from 1986, No More The Fool.

Original Shadow Jet Harris will be coming to Huntingdon Hall on Thursday, April 27. Fresh from supporting Van Morrison at the Hall last December, chart-topper Chris Farlowe - who hit the number one slot in June 1966 with Out Of Time - will also be making a welcome return to the city centre venue on Tuesday, May 9.

Meanwhile, a number of cover bands will be pulling out the stops with, among others, The Counterfeit Stones, Whole Lotta Led, Talon and Beach Boys Inc playing the songs of The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin The Eagles and The Beach Boys.

There will be a definite Latin feel in the air with Salsa Celtica fusing Latin rhythms with Scottish folk music and Just Latin Salsa mixing sizzling rhythms and red hot Latin moves.

Continuing the Latin theme, Tango Siempre sees the musicians of Tango Siempre team up with the UK's leading tango dancers Anabella and Giraldo, at the Swan on Thursday, April 13.

Equally entertaining is Black Umfolosi - Zimbabwe's most well-known singing and dance group - who will be coming to the Swan Theatre on Saturday, April 29.

Audiences can prepare for their senses to be bombarded with style, dazzling film and eclectic sounds as the Ludus Dance Company bring their performance Perfecting Eugene to the city on Wednesday, April 5.

Other acts set to take to the stage in the city over the coming months include The Christians, The Searchers, King Pleasure and The Doobie Brothers.

Huntingdon Arts director Chris Jaeger said, "The new season is going to be huge. With stars like Elkie Brooks, The Christians and Talon returning to our venues we're confident there'll be something for everyone to enjoy over the coming months." JOBY MULLENS