REDDITCH organisations at the heart of the town's biggest ever arts festival will be given the chance to spread their wings and ''air'' their talents.

Organisers of June's three-week extravaganza AIR festival (Arts in Redditch) are keen to see townsfolk at the centre of the action, with first school pupils creating butterflies and flowers to display.

The event will kick off on Saturday, May 28, with a procession of middle school pupils bearing their own hand-made sculptures.

Music, dancing, theatre and a ghost walk feature in Caf's Festival within a Festival, from Thursday to Saturday, June 9-11.

And winners of Redditch's Battle of the Bands, The Cadence, will be taking to the stage at Arrow Valley Park on Sunday, June 5, after being selected by BBC music men Chris Lycett and Mark Goodier.

The Cadence will play alongside top acts Natasha Bedingfield, Lemar and Liberty X and locally formed band My Girl Sleeps.

Redditch councillor and festival organiser Rebecca Blake said despite star-studded attractions, including Jools Holland, residents would still provide the framework for the festival.

She said: "AIR is about the people of Redditch. For me, the most exciting part of this is the community involvement, which is at the root of what we're trying to do."

Tickets are available from the ticket hotline on 08700 42 42 82 or at www.artsinredditch.com