TALENTED Wyre Forest performers will be among big names taking to the stage at this year’s Bewdley Festival.

The nine-day music and art extravaganza, which will be opened by Wyre Forest MP, Mark Garnier, kicks off on Friday, October 8.

As well as high-profile acts, such as keyboard player and vocalist, Georgie Fame and DJ Johnnie Walker, local talent from Kidderminster and Bewdley are also on the bill.

They include Claire Worboys, who will perform at the festival as female entertainer, Vesta Tilley, at Bewdley Baptist Church, on Saturday October 16.

The singer and actress has always been fascinated by the Worcester-born male impersonator and will bring to life the music, life and times of the famous music hall star.

Since completing her training, Miss Worboys, who was born in Kidderminster but now lives in Bewdley, has achieved success in the theatre and on radio and television.

Local historian, sailor and teacher, Max Keen, will also return to the festival on October 12. He will give a talk on Sir Francis Drake at 10.30pm.

On the same day, Mike Parker, of Kidderminster, who appeared regularly on Radio 4, will share his fascination with maps at Bewdley Baptist Church, at 2.30pm.

Meanwhile, Richard Perrin, chairman of the Bewdley Civic Society, will talk about his knowledge of the town’s buildings and its history. Tickets for the talk, on October 14, have already sold out.

Carole Swingler, festival spokeswoman, said: “We’re lucky that we do have local talent.

"Although the festival aims to bring people in from outside we certainly don’t want to overlook local people and we like to have a sprinkling of them. We’re very much looking forward to seeing them all.