THE streets of Tenbury will be alive to the sound of music and eye-catching dance routines if a major arts project is given the go-ahead for later this year.

A grant application is being made to the Arts Council next week hopefully to secure funding for a series of events similar to Ludlow's successful Streets Alive attraction.

Manda Graham, arts officer for Malvern Hills District Council, hopes the initiative will bring hundreds of visitors into the town as well as providing entertainment for Tenbury residents.

An exciting programme of events is being put together and plans are being drawn up to link them with the re-launched Tenbury Festival, as well as the Applefest and Mistletoe Festival.

"The idea is to enhance the events that are already happening and support them rather than taking them over," Ms Graham said. "Hopefully, we will create a big buzz around the town with lots of people visiting and spending money in the shops and restaurants. We will work alongside the Tenbury tourism project on this."

The event will draw inspiration from Streets Alive in Ludlow, which is now in its third year, and which has brought a range of performers to the town's streets - including Hollie Robertson, winner of the BBC's Strictly Dance Fever show.

"We will be working on a smaller scale than Ludlow and this is very much a pilot project," Ms Graham said. "But there are a lot of similarities between the two towns. I think the event could be as successful as Streets Alive and, if it works out well, we would like to do much more in the future."

There will also be a chance for local performers to get in on the act, as well as seasoned professionals.

"We've pencilled in tap dancing 'turkeys' and stilt-walking Christmas trees for the Mistletoe Festival and we are also looking for local people to get involved," Ms Graham said.

"We hope to get a positive reaction from Tenbury residents, and visitors, by providing eyebrow-raising and exciting events. There will be opportunities for anyone who performs, young or old, to join in at the Applefest and Mistletoe Festival, and hopefully there will be something for everyone."

Businesses are encouraged to sponsor the project and workshops will be held in the summer holidays for young people to make banners for the events with local artist Joe McClean, in conjunction with TENCEP and Tenbury High's Extended School's scheme.

The workshops will be on July 25 and August 1 and further details can be obtained from Caroline Palethorpe on 0778619078. Bookings can be made at Tenbury Sports Centre on 01584 811405 after 6pm.