PUPPETS, clay models and fantastical tales will help make Kidderminster Arts Festival (KAF) a special treat for youngsters and the young-at-heart.

The booking lines are now open for KAF 13 and the hot tickets will be for the family shows.

KAF, organised by Wyre Forest District Council, runs from Saturday, August 10 until Monday, August 26 and offers its biggest ever variety of fun and entertainment.

Fireside Tales with Granddad by Pickled Image Theatre Company is visiting Kidderminster Town Hall on Saturday, August 18.

This is a very special puppet show which has had fantastic reviews all around the country. You can cuddle up around the campfire as Granddad recalls a daring escape from a hungry shark.

Tuck into a marshmallow or two as he attempts to make a new set of underpants for a giant. And watch as the shadows between the trees unravel a tale of greedy goblins, grumpy trolls, sneaky princes and a very unusual princess.

Exquisite puppets, captivating storytelling, beautiful shadow puppetry combine to create an enchanting show guaranteed to spark the imagination of everyone from four to 104.

For children wanting a truly interactive and engaging theatre experience book to see Claytime on Thursday, August 21. It is a play with clay created for three to six year olds.

Each performance is unique: the story, setting and characters are spontaneously suggested by the audience and modelled out of clay by the performers. Afterwards, children are invited to play alongside the performers, making their very own wonderful worlds of ‘amazing animals’ and ‘morphing monsters.’ Tickets for Granddad and Claytime are £5 or £18 for a family ticket for four people. The award-winning, magical Landscapes show from Mimika theatre is on at the town hall on Saturday, August 24, .

It features beautiful puppets, digital projections and original lighting effects in an exploration of the natural world. The audience is taken on a journey through the desert, under the sea, through the rainforest and to the Antarctic.

The hour-long show, with no words, is set inside a beautiful calico dome. Tickets cost £4 or £15 for the family. There are four performances throughout the day.

Loz Samuel’s, Wyre Forest District Council’s arts and play officer said: “Things are gaining momentum as KAF13 draws nearer. The brochures are now available in public buildings and are bursting with the most diverse programme KAF has ever presented. There is more to come too as we are still booking acts and events.

“There will be a larger version of the brochure with more pictures on our website at wyreforestdc.gov.uk/KAF and we will update our facebook page with information as it comes in.”

She added: “We are bringing very high quality work that you would expect to see in larger national venues at hugely discounted prices. They’re all showing only once, so don’t miss them. If people don’t want to invest in tickets, there are still lots of opportunities to join in as many of the events and shows are free.”