MORE than 400 people learnt the ancient Punjabi art of bhangra dancing to ensure the first Kidderminster Arts Festival kicked off with an energetic start.Wyre Forest folk enjoy a workshop with Nachda Sansaar in Kidderminster Town Hall.

Bhangra dancing workshops by Birmingham-based dance troupe Nachda Sansaar opened the 54-day event at Kidderminster Town Hall on Tuesday and were hailed as a "great success".

Assistant arts and play development officer for Wyre Forest District Council, Suzannah Ronan, who helped organised the festival, said the turn-out for two workshops had been "absolutely fantastic".

She added the dance classes had encouraged people to sign up for other events and given KAF, which runs until September 20, the kickstart it needed.

"It's gone brilliantly and we're really pleased because we were actually quite worried that people weren't going to be interested but they've loved it," she said.

"I think the rain has helped if anything because everyone wanted to get out of it so they came to the town hall."

Jag Kumar of Nachda Sansaar, which translates as 'dancing in the world', added: "It's gone really, really well. We've had a great start and brilliant support from all the people in Kidderminster.

"It's really good to see the community getting together to support the events."

Sixteen-year-old Emily Watson, of Franche Court Drive, Kidderminster, said the class had encouraged her to take part in other KAF activities.

"I just came along with a friend to see what it was all about, but now I want to go to more of the workshops because it's been really good," she said.

Other events on the festival's opening day included comic ballroom dancing by Stickleback Plasticus.