Medieval merriment (From Droitwich Advertiser)

Medieval merriment

11:07am Wednesday 7th May 2008

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HUNDREDS of people flocked to Droitwich Spa for a taste of medieval merriment at the weekend.

The second St Richard's Festival, which celebrated the town's patron saint on Saturday, has been hailed as a great success by its organisers.

“It was great to see so many people out enjoying themselves in the town. The markets were very popular and it was wonderful seeing people using the High Street again."

Janet Yates, Droitwich Spa’s area partnership manager

The life of St Richard was marked with a display at the town's Heritage Centre and tales of how he made the town's brine wells flow again.

The festival also resurrected the old tradition of decking the brine pit with greenery and tapestry, as well as decorating the Upwich Brine Pit, the Old Pump in Gurneys Lane and St Richard's statue, with floral displays.

Festival-goers were also given the chance to take a canal boat trip on the Pamela May and learn more about the town's unique heritage.

The Merrie England Medieval Entertainers performed in Vines Park, entertaining visitors and residents alike with fighting displays and dancing, fire juggling and fire breathing.

In the High Street, music was performed by In Taberna, who use genuine medieval instruments.

Information stalls, and the Worcestershire mobile museum and the Spa Housing information bus, also lined the street.

The day also saw a return of the popular Italian and farmers' market and craft stalls at Saltbarrow Market and Victoria Square.

Janet Yates, Droitwich Spa's area partnership manager, said: "I was really pleased with the event. I think the weather really helped us.

"It was great to see so many people out enjoying themselves in the town. The markets were very popular and it was wonderful seeing people using the High Street again.

"We are already working on ideas for next year's event," she added.

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