THIS year, KAF is growing its evening programme and will be presenting an exciting line-up of concerts at Kidderminster Town Hall.

The team from Wyre Forest District Council has partnered with promoter ‘Freddy Just’ to put on bands from Britpop favourites Dodgy to 60s legends The Animals. Loz Samuels, the district council’s arts and play development officer said: “Working with Freddy Just is a great step forward for KAF. It will be fantastic to see the Town Hall host high quality music acts reminiscent of its heydays of the past.

“It’s a beautiful venue with great acoustics and a good size for these type of acts. I hope this is the start of a strong musical element to the festival.”

Dodgy will be appearing on Thursday, August 16. They are famous for their hits Staying out for the Summer and Good Enough and have reunited for a new album.

They are being supported by Luke Concannon and Andy Richards.

Luke will be performing songs from his new album which features numbers he wrote about a hitch-hiking trip to Palestine.

Andy Richards is a folk/pop-influenced singer/songwriter from the Midlands.

Sixties blues/rock legends The Animals (with two of their original members) will bring their sound to the Town Hall on Friday, August 17.

This is a unique chance to see a legendary band with signature songs like House of the Rising Sun and Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood. They are being supported by Blues Boy Dan. Gordon Giltrap, one of the UK’s most respected guitarists, will be performing on Saturday, August 18.

His musical styles cross multiple genres, including folk, blues, pop and rock and is probably best known for his hit Heartsong.

He is being supported by folk singer/songwriter Kim Lowings, who is from the West Midlands, and is building a national name for herself.

Doors open for all of the shows at 7pm with performances starting at 8pm.

Tickets are £11 in advance or £14 on the door. They can by booked at wyreforestdc.gov.uk/summer or at wegottickets (a booking fee for this site may apply).

KAF also wants to highlight local talent from Wyre Forest and is encouraging anyone who plays music to busk at the festival.

There are still some covered pitches left with an electric supply on Thursdays and Saturdays. Email arts@wyreforestdc.gov.uk for more information. Meanwhile, KAF is also offering a new kind of theatre event. Without Planning Permission is an interactive and unique show being presented by Fluxx on Thursday, August 23 at 7pm at Kidderminster Town Hall.

They use film and improvisation to develop the show and take local politics and current local concerns as themes.

There is a chance for the audience to express views and see how these inform the unfolding drama.

Local performers can also get involved and there is a limited number of parts for people who would like to explore some serious acting.

You would need to be available to rehearse with Fluxx on August 21 and 22 between 6pm and 9pm.

To find out more about these and all the other events taking place during KAF pick up a festival brochure. They are available in public buildings around the town and online at wyreforestdc.gov.uk/KAF