THE 10th anniversary Kidderminster Arts Festival is under way – and already winning great reviews.

On Friday evening, the official launch of the festival, organised by Wyre Forest District Council, took place in the depths of the Carpet Forest at the town hall.

Invited guests including local artists, business owners and others involved in making the festival a success attended a sneak preview of the forest, the unique soundtrack and also the tales of the carpet mills told by the trees themselves.

The Carpet Forest is open for the public to view from Monday to Saturday, from 10am to 4pm, until August 24.

Saturday’s first official day of KAF13 was opened by Someone’s Art by Made in Kidderminster at the Corn Exchange in the town hall.

Visitors were able to explore how people in years gone by played and occupied themselves. They also enjoyed more than 300 cream teas and scones.

Later in the day, French company, Reckless Invention Street Theatre, went the extra mile to woo the passers-by in Kidderminster town centre with their love ballads, flash-dance moves and irresistible charm.

The crowds also filled Worcester Street and St George’s Park.

Worcester Street played host to the Boars Head Fringe Festival, with the surrounding walls adorned with street art, as well as live music and an arts and crafts market.

The Bearded Ladies also made an appearance combing and untangling the ‘tales of hairy females’ of the past and causing a furry frenzy with their unique ‘look’.

St George’s Park welcomed Kids Fest which turned the park into an idyllic setting for a day full of workshops, shows and activities which kept the youngsters entertained for hours.

Monday was electrified by Finksoup bringing their live looped music, telekinetic powers and a splash of mischief to Kidderminster’s streets. They explored the locality with their eccentric, self-made music-powered machine and left onlookers amazed as they disappeared into the chaotic frenzy of Finksoup.

Loz Samuels, the district council’s arts and play development officer said: “If the first few days of the festival are anything to go by, then KAF13 is going to live up to and even surpass our expectations of being the biggest and best Kidderminster Arts Festival yet, so don’t miss out on what is on offer.

“Lots of the events are free and are happening all around the town centre so come along and have a fantastic time.”

Unfortunately, the animation workshops on August 24 have had to be cancelled and organisers apologise for any inconvenience caused. There are still spaces on other workshops so visit the booking line at wyreforestdc. gov.uk/ summer to secure your place.