ORGANISERS of the popular Kidderminster Arts Festival (KAF) are appealing for residents to get involved with the annual event.

Volunteers are needed for this year's festival - which runs in and around Kidderminster town centre between August 12, and August 27 - to help make it a greater success.

This year's event - based on the theme of patterns - will feature music, dance, theatre, acrobatics and interactive arts activities. There will also be concerts, workshops, exhibitions and installations involving artists of local, national and international repute.

There will be a number of events throughout the week with a different focus on each of the three Saturdays during the festival, culminating in an outdoor cinema event in Brinton Park on Sunday, August 27.

Nikki Genner, who organises KAF for Wyre Forest District Council, said: "We hope to involve as many local people as possible in this year's festival and are offering a wide range of volunteering opportunities, from selling tickets, to helping audiences, from stewarding and looking after artists."

Councillor Juliet Smith, cabinet member for culture, leisure and community protection, added: "I am really looking forward to this year's festival and I would encourage anyone who may have a few hours to spare to get involved and come along the find out more about volunteering.

"As well as enjoying being directly involved in the festival, volunteers also enjoy special discount on tickets - not to mention gain valuable experience to boost their CV."

Anyone who might be interested in finding out more is invited to attend a festival makers' volunteer drop-in evening at Tappeto, in the town centre, on Thursday, August 3, between 5.30pm and 7.30pm.

For more information about KAF 2017, including the line-up, visit kidderminsterartsfestival.org.uk.