One of the biggest events on Pershore's calendar will be missing its most important ingredient.

The Pershore Plum Festival returns on the August Bank Holiday weekend but it could be lacking one very crucial aspect, the plums.

Organisers have said that the recent heatwave and drought caused unforeseen issues for local farmers.

A statement on the festival's website reads: "Due to the recent extreme, hot weather (and no rain) unfortunately all varieties of plums have ripened a lot earlier this year and growers are seeing a difference of up to three weeks for the harvest.

"Throughout the weekend, we will endeavour to provide you with the plums that you have visited us for, but please be aware they are in short supply this year – so please buy early to avoid disappointment."

READ MORE: Royalty returns to Pershore as Plum Festival begins

The festival aims to shine a light on the fruit which puts Pershore on the map.

From Saturday, August 27, to Monday 29, the town will play host to a wide range of events and activities.

The opening day will see a funfair in Abbey Park and a chance for local businesses to get involved with the 'All About Plums' shop window display contest.

Then on Sunday there will be a 10k 'Plum Plodders' race finishing at Abbey Park, as well as a Plum Pooches dog show, a food village, and the Plum Fun Zone featuring pony rides, inflatables, sports and more.

There will also be live music and entertainment at the bandstand from the likes of Men Behaving Sadly, Malvern Hillbillies, and The Recovered.

READ MORE: Welcome Back Weekend replaces cancelled Plum Festival in 2021

The final day will see the pinnacle of the festival with the whole town set to turn "plum crazy", with events such as the Plum Fayre and the classic car show.