KIDDERMINSTER’S first music festival has been hailed a “great success” by one of the organisers.

The five-day festival ran from last Thursday until Monday and featured a range of bands and artists.

Organiser John Combe said: “The event was a real boost for the town. We want to attract some sponsors for next year so we can make this a regular date on Kidderminster’s cultural calendar.

“As this was the first year we have put on an event like this, we have learnt some lessons. We know we can do even better next year so we hope we can stage the festival again.

“We have made our mark and impressed people and everyone who attended the gigs had a great time.”

The event kicked off at the Tap House in Worcester Street, with a free gig by funk band Cantaloop.

The following night, seven groups took to the stage at Kidderminster Town Hall. Wolverhampton favourites The Lines headlined the gig, having played the biggest gigs of their career in May, supporting The Charlatans on their national tour.

They were joined by rock band Weak13, blues singer King Rich and up-and-coming Kidderminster four-piece The Amateurs, along with Sister Sandwich, Los Gravitas and DJ Melo.

Mr Combe explained he was “a bit disappointed” with the attendance for the gig, which was not a sell-out, but said it was “a superb evening nevertheless”.

On Saturday Mike Sanchez and his band performed a set of authentic rhythm and blues at the town hall. They were supported by Deborah Bonham, sister of former Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham, and his son Jason Bonham, who played drums with the band at their reunion gig at London’s O2 Arena last year.

Local musician Kevyn Gammond also performed as Carlisle Egypt with former Mott the Hoople keyboardist Verden Allen. Mr Combe said they played “an interesting set of avant garde and futuristic music which everyone seemed to enjoy”.

Some proceeds raised from the event will go to charities The Proton Effect and Spinal Research.