MUSICANS and music lovers from across the county came together in Redditch to celebrate the start of the Dulcimer World Congress 2015.

The event, which celebrates the diversity and different cultures of the dulcimer family of instruments, marked the start of the Dulcimer World Congress’ Outreach Programme which will run across Worcestershire over the next three weeks.

A performance, held in the Palace Theatre's Room Upstairs, featured world class performers Tania Opland and Mike Freeman, and Worcestershire-based hammered dulcimer student Grace Clifford, aged 12.

Sally Whytehead, chair of Dulcimer World Congress, said: "We were treated to an evening of exciting and entertaining music on two types of dulcimer, as well as a show of other instruments, which took us on an international journey. It was the perfect way to start the Dulcimer World Congress which we are thrilled is being held in Worcestershire this year, the first time it has ever been to the UK.

"Since getting a millennium grant, Redditch has become a regional focus for dulcimer players - there’s more players here than any other town in the UK – so it’s quite poignant that the festival was launched here."

Council arts and events officer Huw Moseley said: "I was extremely impressed by the event last night and didn’t realise how beautiful the dulcimer sounded as an instrument.

"It is an honour and a joy that this prestigious international congress is coming to our borough and we were more than happy to support and encourage it to take place in Worcestershire.

"If you get the opportunity to attend one of the concerts being put on don’t hesitate to attend."

This year is the first time it has been held in the UK having visited 11 other countries since 1991 and the launch was sponsored by Redditch Borough Council.

The next stage of the world congress will be half day school workshops across Worcestershire schools, organised with Worcestershire Youth Music's support.

Two workshops are being held in Redditch on October 16, one at Astwood Bank First School in Church Road in the morning and the other at St Luke’s First School in Plymouth Road during the afternoon.

The dulcimer instruments are from the zither family and are struck with sticks or plucked.

The Dulcimer World Congress is running from October 26 to 29 at Malvern St James School in Malvern.

To book tickets for any of the concerts or for a list of the events taking place please go to ticketsource.co.uk/dulcimerworldcongress.