Thousands turn out for annual St Richard’s Boat and Car Festival

Brightly coloured narrowboats grabbed attention in Vines Park while an array of vintage and classic cars were parked in streets throughout the town centre.

The festival, which celebrates St Richard the patron saint of Droitwich, is in its 13th year after it was started in 2007 and grew into the annual extravaganza traditionally held over the May Bank Holiday.

Visitors this year enjoyed boat trips on the Pamela May, a market, arts and crafts, face painting, a dog show, community stalls, children’s activities and family fun games, a well blessing and a bouncy castle for youngsters.

There was also live entertainment in a marquee, food stalls and a real ale bar for the festival-goers to enjoy.

Performances included comedy and music from the Rowney Green Players, Droitwich Community Choir, Alveley Village Band, The Executives, Salvation Army, Rock Choir, Blackwell Concert Band, Alvechurch Community Choir, The Reflections, the Sound AKA, Mel and Him and Dirty Brass.

The free event, which is organised jointly by Worcester-Birmingham & Droitwich Canals Society, Wychavon District Council and Droitwich Town Council, came to an exciting conclusion with the running of the annual Great Droitwich Duck Race yesterday afternoon.

Organisers say the festival is a way for boaters to moor either at Netherwich Basin or alongside the path in Vines Park and catch up with old friends, and for local business and organisations to promote themselves.

Also, during the weekend, St Augustine’s in Dodderhill rang its bells and gave visitors the chance to go to the top of the tower to see the views.

Wychavon District Council deputy leader, and Droitwich councillor Richard Morris said: “Great day at St Richard’s festival - great to see the new Pamela May at the festival.”

He added that one of the fun activities, a human fruit machine, was a “brilliant fundraising idea” from Droitwich Lions.

READ MORE: Where can I see bluebells near Worcestershire?