BOATS were seen bobbing on the Droitwich canal, and the light hum of engines could be heard as families enjoyed boat rides at a free-to-attend festival.
St Richard’s Canal and River Festival welcomed families from across Worcestershire this May Bank Holiday in Vines Park.
This year, the event featured the historic working boat ‘Bramble’ as well as live music, traders, and a real ale bar.
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There were also canal barges turned into cinemas and local floating traders selling their homemade produce.
Among the local vendors was Helen and Andy Tidy who sell condiments from their floating home under the name Wildside Preserves.
Mrs Tidy said: “We have been coming here since 2012 and this was the first canal event we did.
“We are traders and travel around the network but this is always the one we start with.
“I think this is a lovely family-friendly event and there is lots for children to do, and because it’s bank holiday weekend, and often the first spell of good weather, it has always been good.”
The Palama on May 2 was seen offering visitors to the festival boat trips along the Droitwich canal.
Who is Saint Richard?
The festival celebrates St Richard de Wyche after the saint was said to have blessed the town after The Droitwich Spa brine had dried up in the 13th century.
The festival is also popular with boat owners who are moored at Netherwich Basin or alongside the towpath in Vines Park.
The family festival is organised by The Worcester-Birmingham and Droitwich Canals Society, with support from Wychavon District Council and Droitwich Town Council.
The Great Droitwich Annual Duck Race will take place on bank holiday Monday, May 4, at 4.30pm, with cash prizes up for grabs.
The festival’s final day is Monday.
