THE innovative Kidderminster Arts Festival kicks off with a high-octane launch on Tuesday - and promises 54 days of frenzied activity.

The event, which takes off with a bhangra dancing spectacular by Birmingham-based Punjabi folk dance group, Nachda Sansaar, promises to deliver an energetic dose of culture to the Wyre Forest.

Wyre Forest arts and play development officer, Julie Mayor, said the festival had been welcomed by residents and tickets were selling well to all the events.

Nachda Sansaar, who met and performed in front of the Queen at the Manchester Commonwealth Games, will open festivities with an appearance at Kidderminster Town Hall.

Members of the dance troupe, who are regulars on the international festivals scene, spent the last 15 years spearheading an international campaign to keep the art of bhangra dancing alive.

They will perform two sessions of the fast and exhilarating folk dance, which originated in the North Indian region of Punjab, followed by workshops for children aged eight years and above.

Their performances, at 11am and 2pm, will be followed by comic street dance theatre performed by Stickleback Plasticus.

Dancing double act Yvonne and Barry's performance incorporates comedy, dance, acrobatics and audience participation and will take place at noon, 2pm and 3pm in Kidderminster Swan Centre. Also on the agenda for KAF's opening week are native American Indian workshops and interactive street artwork by Urban Canvas.

A unique piece of art will be painted on Kidderminster High Street and the Swan Centre from 10.30am until 3pm on Wednesday.

Wednesday will also see Walsall couple Beckie and Mark Newman, aka Bear Wolf and Red Horse, provide an innovative introduction to native American culture.

Their workshops, which include story telling, arts and crafts, music and dance, highlight the values of community, environmental respect and equality for all.

And circus reigns on July 31, with high impact shows and workshops by Bernie Bennett and Matt Barnard at Kidderminster Town Hall.

Experienced international performer Bernie Bennett's circus show includes breathtaking tightrope skills and comic buffoonery, while Matt Barnard's workshops include juggling, plate spinning and unicycling and are suitable for age seven upwards.

More information can be obtained on all these events by calling Julie Mayor on 01562 732977.