THOUSANDS of visitors descended on Droitwich’s annual four-day St Richard’s Boat and Car Festival in Droitwich over the bank holiday weekend, which began on the Friday with live music in Vines Park.
Throughout the weekend there was a host of activities taking place, including canal boats and vintage cars, trips on the canal on the Pamela May, stocks, art activities, trips up the St Augustine’s Church tower and Italian, craft and farmers’ markets.
Historical re-enactors and events gave people an insight into what Droitwich may have been like in days gone by and there was a recreation of Richard De Wyche blessing the Upwich Pit.
The brine pit itself was decked in greenery and tapestrey to celebrate the life of St Richard and Upwich Brine Pit, the Old Pump in Gurneys Lane and the St Richard’s Statue were decorated with floral displays by local florists.
Droitwich Spa Town Mayor, Coun Graham Beale, was given the honour of unveiling the new mural at Netherwich Basin, St Andrews Church hosted craft stalls and there was an exhibition by Droitwich Arts Network (DAN) featuring paintings, drawings and photographs by local artists.
Other activities included children’s art workshops, a dog show and the First and Second World War travelling museum.
The event was organised by Wychavon District Council in conjunction with Droitwich Spa Classic and Vintage Car Rally group and the Worcester, Birmingham and Droitwich canal Society with support from local businesses and organisations.
Janet Yates, Wychavon’s Droitwich Spa Business Partnerships manager, said: “It went as successfully as ever and we had some very good feedback about the event.”
She added visitors did not let the bad weather during some parts of the weekend affect their fun.
“Everyone enjoyed seeing the car and boat displays, the activities and the live entertainment that was on offer.”
