DROITWICH Spa is set for a tourist boost after a top summer festival’s programme was extended.

The town’s annual Salt Day, which attracts thousands of visitors each year, will now be named Salt Fest and take place over two days on Saturday, September 15 and Sunday, September 16.

This year organisers have taken the decision to double the popular programme which celebrates the town’s historic links to salt production.

Janet Yates, Droitwich Spa area partnership manager for Wychavon District Council, said: “Salt Day has become a very popular event for the town and so it’s great this year that we can make it a weekend long Salt Fest to attract more visitors.

“The addition of the new attractions, along with the Festival of Brass, will mean there is plenty going on in town over the weekend to tempt people to visit.”

As well as the firm favourites of Salt Day, such as Roman re-enactors, canal boat trips and a plastic duck race, new attractions have been introduced taking advantage of the extra day. Major new highlights for the weekend will be a fun run and dog show.

The main programme on Saturday gets underway at 11am and there really will be something for everyone with live entertainment, stalls, a farmers’ and craft market, farm animal corner and children’s activities. On Saturday evening there will be live music and a real ale bar in Vines Park from 7 - 10pm.

Sunday sees a retail market in High Street and Worcester Re-enactors Living History display and dog show in Vines Park.

The dog show, which is being organised by town vets MacArthur, Barstow and Gibbs, features classes, an agility area and a vets corner, with trophies for best dogs in the show. Money raised will be donated to Danemere Animal Rescue.

Salt Fest also sees the launch of the first Droitwich Canal Fun Run, organised by Droitwich Athletics Club and the Gardeners Arms pub.

Salt Fest coincides with Wychavon Festival of Brass. The contest, which takes place on Sunday, September 16, attracts brass bands from across the country and performances will take place at the Norbury Theatre and Droitwich Spa High School.

Salt Fest also serves to showcase what the town has to offer, in particular local businesses and community groups. Droitwich Arts Network will be hosting an art exhibition and there is a business showcase by Droitwich Business Forum and Best of Droitwich.

The event, as ever, sticks to the root of the celebration - Droitwich Spa’s association with salt. There will be a ‘Salt Alley’ with displays and activities such as salt making demonstrations and salt carving. The historic theme continues with the Roman Army camp, 1940s re-enactors and Land Girls.

For more information visit wychavon.gov.uk/saltfest or collect a programme from venues around the town.