THOUSANDS of music lovers gathered this weekend to attend a festival which featured 263 acts and 23 venues in Worcester in a bid to raise charitable funds.

With music workshops for all ages, as well as live performances from every genre, there was something for everyone to enjoy at Worcester Music Festival.

The event has seen thousands of acts from near and far flocking to the city to perform original music in dozens of venues since it was launched in 2008.

The festival, organised by volunteers, raised money for Worcester Foodbank this year.

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Helen Mole, festival organiser said: "This has been a bumper year, with busy venues and thousands of people visiting the city to experience the festival. Our team of volunteers have worked tirelessly to put the event on, with many months of planning going in to the weekend.

"We are grateful to all involved - whether that's artists volunteering their time, or those behind the scenes organising equipment, professionals offering their skills for free, or the fundraisers running from venue to venue collecting for our chosen charity.

"We've been delighted to work so closely with Worcester Foodbank, a wonderful charity doing much needed work and we are confident we've raised thousands of pounds to support their efforts. Thank you to all who donated."

Poets, spoken word artists and comedians also performed at the event. Workshops were available to take part in where adults and children could learn everything from learning an instrument or singing in a pop choir to asking questions to industry experts.

With live music across the city, from pubs, clubs, restaurants and cafes to historic buildings and on the streets, the event was free to attend.

Andie Differ, festival organiser said: “This event is a whole range of things. We support local artists, it brings the community together, it showcases local talent. It’s the fundraising which is the really important part of this and the fun aspect of the music to achieve that.

“Every year it keeps getting bigger and bigger. It’s a popular event and more and more people are getting on board. More venues are interested in taking part, it does help them as well at the end of the day.”

The festival took take place from September 13 and 15.

Every year all proceeds are donated to a cause that supports the Worcestershire community. Almost £55,000 has been raised for charity by the festival in its eleven-year history.