Droitwich St Richard's Festival

[Josher]

Droitwich WRG Camp, summer 1979 (happy memories) - just can't believe that they are still at it! Good to see that the Canals Trust has become part of the local fabric though:

 

Droitwich Spa Advertiser 3:45pm Monday 19th April 2010

 

DROITWICH Spa is set to host its annual St Richard’s Festival heritage celebration.

 

The festival celebrates the life of St Richard, the Spa’s patron saint, who – legend has it – made the town’s brine wells flow again in the Middle Ages.

 

This event, now in its fourth year, offers attractions to suit all ages. Medieval dance, strolling musicians, combat knights and fire juggling are some of the entertainment on offer on Saturday, May 1.

 

There will also be storytelling of the life of St. Richard and chance to experience living history in the medieval ages and dress up in costumes. New for this year will be the farm animal corner enabling younger visitors to come and meet lambs, ducklings, chickens and goats.

 

Other attractions include canal boat trips on the Pamela May, canoe taster sessions, ferret racing, an owl display, information stalls and face painting.

 

The annual vintage and classic car rally will also take place throughout the town centre, where visitors can experience a wide selection of vehicles through the ages.

 

The day sees the return of the popular Italian Market offering a range of foods to tempt taste buds. There will also be the regular Farmers’ Market in Victoria Square along with craft stalls.

 

The Heritage Centre will be hosting two interesting displays - the story of St. Richard and an art exhibition by Susy Casillas. Whilst visitors to St. Andrew’s Square Shopping Centre can enjoy morris dancing, medieval music by Diabolus in Musica and younger guests can have a go at making medieval swords and shields.

 

Dodderhill Tower will be open during the morning offering spectacular views over Droitwich Spa.

 

The festival will also see a resurrection of the old tradition where the brine pit was decked with greenery and tapestry to celebrate the life of St Richard. Upwich Brine Pit, the Old Pump in Gurneys Lane, St Richard’s Statue and Wyche Barge will be decorated with floral displays by local florists.

 

The markets open at 9am with the main festival starting at 10am. It will finish at 4pm with the ever popular duck race.

 

The event has been organised and supported by Wychavon District Council in conjunction with Droitwich Spa Classic and Vintage Car Rally group, St Andrew’s Square Shopping Centre, Droitwich Canal Trust, Droitwich Churches Together and Droitwich Spa Area Partnership.

 

Janet Yates, Droitwich Spa Area Partnership Manager, said: “St. Richard’s Festival was a very successful last year and by joining with the Classic Car Rally meant there was plenty to entertain visitors. It has grown into a well established event and offers a good day out over the bank holiday weekend.”

 

Car rally organiser, Anne Taft, added: “I’m looking forward to welcoming competitors from various parts of the country who are participating in the rally. Amongst the cars on display will be a 1924 Rolls Royce and a 1934 Lagonda. We are keeping our fingers crossed for good weather.”

 

For more information please contact Janet Yates on 01386 565355 or e-mail janet.yates@wychavon.gov.uk

 

 

 

Image from here