IT was a weekend of firsts at the annual Droitwich Salt Fest which made a welcome return to the town for the sixth year.

The festival took place over two days and saw the launch of the first Droitwich Canal Fun Run which organisers hope to make an annual event.

Along with the popular Romans, canal boat trips and a duck race on Saturday, yesterday had a living history display from the Worcester Re-enactors, a dog show in Vines Park and a market in High Street.

Celebrating the town’s historic association with salt, the event saw demonstrations on extracting it and fascinating displays on all things salt.

Alan Davey, a Probus 87 club member, said their salt demonstrations had proved popular with the children. “They’ve been interested in it,” he said. “Salt is what founded this place. That’s what the festival is all about.

“People 100 years ago come to Droitwich and they got cured from arthritis and Sciatica. It’s got a healing effect.”

Droitwich mayor Anne Taft said the two-day event had worked well – especially with the new additions.

“It’s been a wonderful weekend,” she said. “There have been a lot of visitors. “Salt day is a popular fixture. “I think it’s got quite well known.”

This year was the town’s turn to host the 23rd Wychavon Festival of Brass which was held yesterday at the Norbury Theatre and Droitwich High School.

The event, which is said to be the main brass event in the Midlands, is also hosted in Evesham and Pershore in alternate years.