THE popular duck race kicks off the Worcester Festival today - just one of a number of events on this weekend.

The annual duck race, in aid of St Richard’s Hospice, sees supporters drop ducks from Worcester Bridge.

The event is sponsored by Puddle Ducks Worcestershire and is supported by Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service who provide safety boats on the day and collect all the ducks after the race.

Hospice fundraiser Claire James said: “This is such a fun event for all the family and competitors can get a bird’s eye view of their very own duck racing down the river. There’s always a great atmosphere with hundreds of onlookers and competitors cheering the race. We’re grateful for all the support which raised funds for our ongoing hospice care.”

Last year’s race raised £2,840 for St Richard’s. Viewing is from South Quay with ducks available to adopt from 11am and the race starting at 2pm.

Worcester Festival promises 17 days of events, activities and fun for everyone, with workshops, live music, arts and crafts, tours, exhibitions, drama, spoken word events, and a pet blessing service.

The ever-popular beer festival also returns to Worcester Racecourse for the weekend (see page 8) while, another event expected to draw in crowds is the Worcester Show, at Gheluvelt Park between 10am and 5pm on Sunday.

The show has classes for flowers, vegetables, cooking, photographs and crafts. A wide range of food and drink is on offer.

And at Spetchley Park, just outside the city, history will come to life today and tomorrow with up to 1,000 re-enactors taking part.

They'll span major periods from the ancient Greeks through to Vikings, medieval, English Civil War, Napoleonic Wars, American Civil War and the two world wars. There will be battles and displays throughout the day, a large trader’s area, refreshments and even a pre-fab 1940’s pub.