Students organise new arts festival for Worcester

Organisers include some students who ran an event to mark World Poetry Day last March

Students at a university have organised a free arts festival where emerging writers, performers and visual artists can "showcase their talents".

The University of Worcester students will run 'Speak Volumes!' in the city centre from 21 March to 23 March.

Taking place at a renovated site, The Arches 27 and 28, it will include theatre, poetry and stand-up comedy.

An art gallery will host community exhibitions, a marketplace and work by local craftspeople, organisers said.

"It's free, unique and diverse enough to provide something for everyone," said Freddie Barker, from the festival organising committee.

The film production and screenwriting student added: "Though we're not exclusive, we want to boost creativity from students, graduates and adults aged 18 to 30."

She added the festival took inspiration from an evening event last March to mark World Poetry Day and was back by "popular demand".

Organisers added the festival was open to all and if it was successful, they hoped it would become an annual event in Worcester.

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