DROITWICH is all set to be overrun next month with everything from armoured knights and classic cars, to live music and a flotilla of boats as St Richard’s Festival hits the town.

The festival is coming to Droitwich over the May bank holiday weekend from May 1-4 launching the town’s summer festival programme.

There will be markets lining the streets, with medieval entertainment on offer, a real ale bar in Vines Park, a huge display of classic and vintage cars, and a boating festival.

Live acts will be performing, including The Chuck Harriet Trio, Shady band, Chicago Bytes, Strip the Blues, Worcester Ukulele Band, Blackwell Concert Band, and Hollywood Hobo, as well as performances from Appalachian Dancers and several local choirs.

On Saturday, May 2 the Plantagenets Medieval Society will be staging a display in Vines Park featuring squire training, musicians, dancing and an armour demonstration, while there will also be a re-enactment of the blessing of Upwich Pit, and the first and second world war travelling museum will be there for people to find out more about the conflicts.

Droitwich mayor Bob Brookes will be unveiling the new mural at Netherwich Basin as part of the festival, and people wanting to take part in their own arts events will be able to do so, with an art exhibition by Droitwich Arts Network which will run until 4pm on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, featuring paintings, drawings and photographs by artists from the local area and the Spa’s twin town, Voiron, while children will be able to take part in art activities in St Andrew’s Square Shopping Centre or take in the fun from stilt walkers, balloon modelling and puppet shows.

On Monday, May 4, Vines Park will play host to a variety of children’s activities including an arts workshop and an animal rescue zone, with a selection of animals. There will also be charity stalls, a display of model boats and a duck race at 3.30pm.

A new attraction for this year is a Dog Show being run by local vets MacArthur, Barstow and Gibbs, and featuring seven classes. Money raised from the show will be donated to Danemere Animal Rescue and Bishops Wood Swan Rescue.

Janet Yates, Droitwich Spa business partnerships manager, said: “St Richard’s Boat and Car Festival has become a popular event and major attraction for the town.

“There is plenty on offer for local residents and visitors and makes an ideal day out over the bank holiday weekend.”

To see the full festival schedule, visit strichardsfestival.co.uk.