THERE will be four days of fun at the annual St Richard’s Boat and Car Festival in Droitwich over the bank holiday weekend.
It kicks off at 7pm next Friday (April 29) with live music and a real ale bar in Vines Park.
Throughout the weekend, there will be canal boats, including trips on the Pamela May, vintage cars, static engines, vintage tractors, community and craft stalls, live entertainment and refreshments.
Next Saturday (April 30), the Plantagenet’s Medieval Society will put on various displays in Vines Park, including squire training, musicians, dancing and armour.
In keeping with tradition, the brine pit will be 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 will be decorated with floral displays by local florists.
A re-enactment of Richard De Wyche blessing the Upwich Pit will be given and Droitwich Spa Town Mayor, Coun Graham Beale, will unveil new mural at Netherwich Basin.
Other attractions include stocks, art activities and trips to St Augustine’s Church tower and classic and vintage cars, enabling visitors to view a variety of vehicles from throughout the ages, along with ‘Mr Tweedie’ the traction engine.
The Italian Market, which proved popular last time, will return to tempt the tastebuds and there will be craft and farmers’ markets in Victoria Square, along with a real ale bar and Morris dancing.
St Andrews Church will host craft stalls and an exhibition by Droitwich Arts Network (DAN) featuring paintings, drawings and photographs by local artists.
There will be live performances, children’s activities and medieval jesters in St Andrews Square Shopping Centre and history-lovers can take part in a guided walk leaving the Heritage Centre at 2pm.
Next Sunday (May 1), Vines Park will host an activity zone, featuring judo demonstrations, canoeing, a fitness challenge, a fire hose challenge and golfing skills tests.
The First and Second World War travelling museum will shed light on two very important eras of British history.
There will also be the chance to meet Shreck the heavy horse and see a selection of classic and vintage cars in Ricketts Lane Car Park. The art exhibition in St. Andrews Church will be open for the afternoon.
The final day of the festival – Monday (May 2) – will see a children’s art workshop with painting and sculpture being hosted by DAN and there will be a selection of animal charity stalls, display of model boats, Dog Show, Shreck the Heavy Horse and a duck race at 2pm.
The art exhibition in St Andrews Church will be open until 4pm.
Among those performing live music in the marquee in Vines Park will be Shady band, Reflections, Aardvark Stew, the Worcester and Droitwich Ukulele Band, Blackwell Concert Band, Hollywood Hobo and local choirs.
The event has been 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 the boat and car festival had become a popular event and a major attraction for the town.
“There is plenty of offer for local residents and visitors and makes an ideal day out over the bank holiday weekend.”
Markets start at 9am each day and the main festival at 10am.
For more on the festival, visit www.strichardsfestival.co.uk or pick up a programme at various venues around the town.
For more information please contact Janet Yates on 01386 565355, or e-mail [email protected].
