PREPARATIONS are now well underway for Droitwich Spa’s annual St Richard’s Festival and Classic Car Rally.

The popular event brings together a host of medieval entertainment and activities along with street markets and large display of classic and vintage cars.

This years event, which will take place across the town from Friday, May 4 to Monday, May 6, will be boosted by a boating festival organised by the Worcester, Birmingham and Droitwich Canal Society. This means that for the first time the event will run over three days and will offer a greater range of attractions for residents and visitors alike.

The event kicks off at 7pm on Friday, May 3 with live music and real ale bar in Vines Park and will run until Monday, May 6. There will be a host of attractions including medieval pageantry and an Italian market on Saturday, a display of classic and vintage cars on Saturday and Sunday, bike showcase on Sunday and display of canal boats and static engines throughout the weekend.

A highlight of the event will be the mayor’s flotilla of historic boats which will leave Netherwich Basin at noon on the Saturday.

Droitwich mayor, Councillor Anne Taft, will be joined by mayors and other civic dignitaries from Evesham, Malvern, Tenbury Wells, Bewdley, Kidderminster, Bromsgrove and Redditch; chairmen of Worcestershire County Council and Wychavon District Council, and representatives from Voiron.

“I am very much looking forwarding to welcoming my guests to St Richards Festival and am sure they will enjoy their boat trip along the canal,” said Coun Taft. “The event has grown considerably over the last few years and the new three day boating festival and other attractions will hopefully attract even more visitors”.

For further information visit strichardsfestival.co.uk or contact Janet Yates, Droitwich Spa Area Partnership Manager, on 01386 565355.