A festival celebrating the performing arts of talented people with additional needs kicked off this week at the Town Hall.

Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor opened Enrich Festival's art exhibition at Watford Town Hall on Tuesday (June 4). Running until 30 June, the art exhibition features the work of artists from DRUM (Disability Recreation Unity Movement) and Hertfordshire County Council-run day centres.

The art exhibition is just one aspect of the Enrich Festival which has been created to showcase artists and performers with additional needs, break down social barriers and challenge misconceptions.

Later in the week, there will an opportunity to listen to live music for free at O’Neill’s Pub when the Beat Express Band and Na Gorze take to the stage for the festival weekend opening event on Friday, 7 June. On Saturday, June 8, and Sunday, June 9, there will be dance and theatre performances at Watford Palace Theatre as well as a variety of workshops from mask making and dance to drama and samba percussion. Free tickets can be booked at www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk or by calling 01923 225671. Full details of the festival line-up are available at www.enrichfestival.com

The Enrich Festival is jointly funded by Hertfordshire County Council and the National Lottery through Arts Council England and is organised in association with local community organisations, such as Watford & Three Rivers Trust, Herts Inclusive Theatre, Sanctuary Studios. More information about the festival is available on the council’s website.