St Richard's Canal Festival in Droitwich draws huge crowds

Vines Park was filled with families enjoying a day out in the sun amongst live music, trader stalls, kids rides, food concessions and canal boat rides.

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's final day is Monday.

David Wheeler, chairman of The Worcester - Birmingham & Droitwich Canals Society said: "So far it is going very well. 

"The weather is holding up and its manic, we must have around 2,000 people here at any one time. 

"We have over 50 trading stalls, 4-5 kids rides, eight food concessions and canal boat rides on the Pamela May 2.

"Access to the event is totally free and it is run and organised by volunteers who give up their time to make sure that Droitwich has a successful festival."

Visitors enjoyed boat rides on the Pamela May 2 (Image: Daniel Kelly)

The Great Droitwich Duck Race starts tomorrow at 4.30pm, with  more than 1,000 ducks already entered. 

A member of the Worcester - Birmingham & Droitwich Canals Society said: "Ducks are steadily selling away and I am looking forward to the big race. 

"Over a thousand have sold but there is still a long way to go."

Phillip and Laurene Pimley (Image: Daniel Kelly)

Laurene Pimley said: "It is a nice day and we thought that we would come out and have a look at the nice boats. 

"There are a lot of people, I suppose that the weather helps."

Many canal boats could be seen moored along the canal throughout the park adorned with colourful flags and ornaments.

Julie Poultney with grandson Freddy (Image: Daniel Kelly)

Julie Poultney said: "We wanted to take our grandson to get some fresh air and and I am really glad that we did. 

"This is the third time that we have come down, we came down twice yesterday. 

"We are going to take Freddy on his first boat trip at 1pm. 

"We come most years with the family because it's really good and brings the community together. 

"It's a lovely friendly atmosphere and it's great to watch the canal boats go by."