Since it first burst into the town’s annual calendar in 2003, KAF has blossomed into a popular and much-anticipated event. This year, KAF celebrates 10 years and is on target to attract record numbers of visitors.

The festival, organised by Wyre Forest District Council, starts on Saturday and runs until Monday, August 26.

The calibre of the acts is a key part of KAF’s success and growth and acts come from far and wide to take part.

For a retrospective view of how the festival has evolved over the last 10 years, there is the 10 Years and Counting exhibition in the library gallery. You can see how the festival has grown, the type of acts that have visited and you may even find a picture of yourself in the audience.

Another successful outcome is the positive relationships that the KAF organisers and acts have built with residents, local groups and business owners.

KAF largely relies upon in-kind donations, the dedication of local people and external funding to keep it growing. Now in its 10th anniversary year, this is even more apparent.

Local businesses are embracing the KAF spirit by getting involved in this year’s brand new pop art trail. Each of the participating stores in the town will dress up one of their windows with clues as to what famous album they are representing.

For example, a shop representing The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band may have a few peppers, a sergeant’s epaulette and a heart in their window!

Visitors are invited to guess the name of the band and the album title and record their answers on an entry sheet which can be collected from any of the participating retailers.

The trail competition is free to enter and the prize for the sheet with the correct answers pulled from a hat will be a family ticket for the Severn Valley Railway.

The residents of Kidderminster and the wider Wyre Forest area are the biggest influence on how the festival develops. The enthusiasm of the audiences is what inspires new ideas. This year looks set to be a winner and there are events to suit all ages and tastes.

Tickets are on sale now and are selling fast. There are many shows that do not require booking so you can just turn up on the day.

Highlights for the first week of the festival include the St George’s Park Kids Fest, the incredible Lady and the Sax, who need no introduction, and Hodman Dodmanott and Sally Forth, two small and weary travellers.

Kidderminster Stuff is an entertaining show about Kidderminster past and present and finally a giant inflatable pig will allow members of the public to stand with their heads inside its belly and watch a unique and fantastic show.

Information about these shows and the rest of the events in the festival can be found, along with a digital brochure, at wyreforestdc. gov.uk/KAF13