GROUPS from across Hereford will come together next month to raise money and awareness for charities working with the homeless in Hereford.

Figures from the UK government show 18 people were sleeping rough in Herefordshire last year, an increase of more than 60 per cent on 2017. But is still significantly lower than the 42 people sleeping rough in 2010.

According to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, more than 50 statutory homelessness applications from eligible households were accepted in 2017-18.

The free Here-4-D Homeless festival will feature live music, street theatre, poetry, comedy and more when it comes to the city centre on Saturday, August 17.

Dirty Feet Dance CIC and Ethos, a charity who aim to seek out all available help and support for anyone in need, are organising the event and said they will give every penny over their budget to chosen charities. These will include St Peter's Winter Shelter, SHYPP and Open Door.

Artists performing at the event, which will be at a number of venues including De Koffie Pot, The Loft Cinema and a stage in the city centre, include 2Faced Dance, hip hop ground Last Tree Squad and DJ Lofty.