THE annual Kidderminster Arts Festival returns to delight audiences with a fortnight full of exciting music, dance and theatre performances.

The festival will run from Saturday August 11 to August 26 in different Kidderminster locations and will showcase local and national talent, with this year focusing on ‘strength and Resilience’.

The festival will be commemorating the centenary of the First World War, one hundred years of women’s right to vote and 250 years of the circus.

Events include live music, theatre, story-telling, craft sessions, pop up poetry and host of others for guests to enjoy.

Happy’s Family Circus will also raise the curtains at Brinton Park, where a variety of performers including acrobats, aerialists and magicians will amaze audiences on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12.

The first circus performance begins at 10.30am, followed by other shows at 12.15pm, 2pm and 3.30pm.

Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Community Protection Councillor Juliet Smith said: “This year’s event festival really does offer something for everyone and promises to be a riot of entertainment worthy of our wonderful town.

“This year’s KAF focuses on ‘Strength and Resilience’ to commemorate the centenary of the end of the First World War, one hundred years of women’s right to vote as well as 250 years of the circus.

“I’m delighted to welcome the Happy’s Circus company to the district during this special year of celebration.”

People can find out more information about this year’s festival line-up at www.kidderminsterartsfestival.org.uk.

Tickets for the circus can be booked online by via www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk/bookings.