A snoring pig, an international circus performer and an elderly puppet couple will be among a vast array of street performers travelling to Kidderminster for this year’s Kidderminster Arts Festival (KAF). They will be performing for free around the town throughout the festival, organised by Wyre Forest District Council, which runs from Saturday, August 10 until Monday, August 26.

For this, the 10th anniversary year of KAF, the backdrop to the festival will be a celebration of the carpet weaving history of Kidderminster. Both inside and outside Kidderminster Town Hall will be transformed into a ‘Carpet Forest’.

Inside will be carpeted trees that tell forgotten tales from the old factories whilst a kaleidoscope of light floods through the canopy. along with the sounds of looms and mythical birds. Leading into the forest will be a carpet meadow surrounding the outside of the town hall.

On Saturday, August 17, the carpet meadow will form the setting for a very special guest. A giant 30ft long pig will be taking an afternoon nap between 11am and 1pm and also 2pm and 4pm. The short show by Whalley Range All Stars offer members of the public the chance to act as little piglets and witness a show inside the belly of the snoring pig.

Exploring the rest of Kidderminster town centre will be a range of walkabout performers.

On Monday, August 12, scientist Mercival and her assistant, Bile, will be out and about. These are two mysterious mind-reading travellers who will be journeying around town with their music powered machine in town.

On Thursday, August 15, mini adventurers Hodman Dodmanott and Sally Forth will be exploring the sights that Kidderminster has to offer. This is an extraordinary puppet-based walk-about performance. The couple have a lot on their minds and even more on their backs but they are determined to unfathom the modern world, make new friends and find a decent place to camp. They will be setting out from the Town Hall at 11.30am and 1.15pm.

Talented international circus performer Kwabana Lindsay will be performing on August 22.

He has taken his extraordinary show all around the world and his aerial antics on a slack rope are sure to have you holding your breath. He will be on Worcester Street at 11.45am and 1pm.

‘Spurting Man’ will be making a splash on Saturday. August 24. This is a silent comedy which concludes with a fantastic water display. As the title suggests, there is a chance the audience may get wet. It will be starting outside the town hall at 12.30pm and 2.30pm.

Loz Samuels, Wyre Forest District Council arts and play development officer said; “It’s the 10th anniversary of KAF and with the good reputation the festival is gaining we’ve been able to attract fantastic acts.

“We are delighted with the line-up of street performers this year and it is great to have acts who have performed around the world. This part of the KAF programme is free and there is so much more on offer too. Please pop into one of the Hubs and pick up a programme or take a look at our webpage to see everything that’s on.”