THE THREE Choirs Fringe Festival got up and running on July 2 with a steady stream of events until the end of the summer.

With more than 350 events - and rising - the Fringe Festival incorporates activities from clergymen in dragon boat races to parachuting teddy bears.

"It's not just about choirs and classical music," said festival chairman Paul Vaughan.

"There is something in it for everybody."

The events will include a re-enactment of Chariots of Fire as Worcester's finest athletes try to complete a circuit of College Green while the Cathedral bells chime midday on Monday, August 26.

And the Deans of the three Cathedrals of Worcester, Hereford and Gloucester will be drumming dragon boats in a race on the River Severn on Saturday, August 17.

Events to celebrate the 100th birthday of the teddy bear will include blessings by the bishop, tea parties and parachute jumps.

One of the biggest beer and cider festivals in the country will be held at the Pitchcroft Race Course when CAMRA set up shop from Thursday, August 15, to Saturday, August 17.

There will be a reading of naughty madrigals and dirty ditties from the 16th and 17th Centuries on the River Severn on Saturday, August 24.

War poetry, organ recitals, open air theatre at the Commandery and city walks are all on the menu.

"There is so much already going on in and around the city," said Mr Vaughan

"A lot of the earlier events would have been taking place anyway.

"I have merely asked, in some cases, if their dates might be changed to fit our time-span, or otherwise, just put a Festival umbrella over them.

"Later on, in August, you will see events that we have generated coming thick and fast."

Huntingdon Hall is acting as the box office for the festival and bookings can be made by calling 01905 611427.