A BRIGHT Start to the Bank Holiday weekend drew the crowds in their thousands to Droitwich as the popular spa town prepared for its annual St Richard’s Boat and Car Festival.

Brightly coloured narrowboats attracted huge attention as they moored alongside the path in Vines Park and at Netherwich Basin, while landlubbers were enthralled with the array of vintage and classic cars parked in the streets. The £5 entrance fee to the rally was being donated to the Midlands Air Ambulance charity.

Janet Yates, Wychavon District Council's Droitwich Spa business partnerships manager, said the start to the festival had been good.

"It has gone really well today (Saturday). It was a super morning. We had a couple of heavy rain showers and hail in the early afternoon, but everyone stayed around. At least people can get cover when there's a shower. The atmosphere was really good and it was good to see so many people attending with plenty for them to see."

The festival, which celebrates St Richard, the patron saint of Droitwich, is the 10th to take place in the town after it was started in 2007 and has grown into an annual extravaganza beginning on Friday April 29 and continuing through to Monday May 2.

Attractions in Vines Park included Medieval musicians, the blessing of Upwych brine pit by Richard De Wyche, boat trips on the Pamela May, and mural unveiling in Netherwich Basin by Droitwich mayor, councillor Graham Beale.

There was also the customary 'dressing the knight' ceremony and a Medieval foot combat. Music and singing was provided by the Droitwich Community Choir, as well as many brass and pop bands.

Throughout the town centre there were vintage, crafts and local produce stalls, along with an Italian and farmers' market

with all ages entertained with carnival bands, choral singing, stilt walking, jugglers, puppet shows and World War One and Two memorabilia.

Scores of classic and Vintage cars attracted huge attention and ranged from modest, yet pristine mini pick-ups, to a 1917 American Lafrance speedster with an impressive 14.5 litre engine.

Around 40 barrow boats graced the waterway and basin.

Ziggy, a Harley Davidson rider who has lived on his narrowboat for 15 years, said he travelled around the water festivals in the area polishing and selling brass and copper pans and objects.

"It's my first time in Droitwich and it's a good atmosphere. It's been busy with people," he said.

Droitwich town cryer Edgar Harwood, who has officiated at events in the town for the past 35 years said:

"It has been a lovely start to the festival and so good to see so many people enjoying themselves."

The festival continues on Bank Holiday Monday until around 5pm.