Kidderminster Arts Festival promises to bring an even more exciting street arts programme to the town’s streets this summer.

Thanks to the Art Council which has helped Wyre Forest District Council fund this year’s event from August 13 to 27, organisers are promising the biggest festival yet. Loz Samuels, Wyre Forest District Council’s arts and play development officer said: “It is reassuring that the Arts Council is supporting the programming and development of the festival, enabling us to bring an increased high quality street arts programme and support local artists to participate in the event.

“This is the biggest festival yet, with an exciting mix of events for all ages and tastes. Don’t miss it – it’s a once a year event with most of the activities being free.”

The Town Criers will be opening the festival on Saturday, August 13, followed by street acts, Dodgy Totty and Bruce Air Head, and buskers throughout the day.

There are a number of projects which everyone can get directly involved in, including ‘Guerrillas in your midst’. Guerrilla art is all about getting people involved directly, putting art in unexpected places and not taking it too seriously.

KAF Creatives, a group of local artists, has begun a series of guerrilla arts projects which will be showcased during the festival. These include ‘Hobo Bear’ and ‘Ode to a Beer Mat.’ Hobo Bear was bought in a charity shop in Kidderminster some time ago, and with the help of KAF Creatives has embarked on adventures not only around the district but internationally! If he makes it home in time, he will appear in the Urban Arts Exhibition which will be held in the gallery on the second floor of Kidderminster Library from August 4.

‘Ode To A Beer Mat’ is a project which gives you a chance to win some beer!

Beer mats will be found around local pubs encouraging people to get poetic about their favourite tipple or pub. Only six lines could win you 12 bottles of Worcestershire Way, which has kindly been donated by Bewdley Brewery.

Entries can be submitted by post (no need for a stamp) to Arts Development, Wyre Forest District Council, FREEPOST Mid 23694, Green Street, Kidderminster, DY10 1BR. Don’t forget to include your contact details.

Winners will be announced at the performance of SNUG on August 16 at the King and Castle pub (tickets £5, available online or email info@brewerstroupe.co.uk). You can also email your poems to this address or arts@wyreforestdc.gov.uk