HUNDREDS of thousands of people are expected to enjoy this year's Worcester Festival which began in loud and lively style this weekend.

The festival was opened by the mayor, Cllr Steve Mackay, outside the Guildhall in Worcester High Street on Saturday, joined by iridescent mascot, Percy the Peacock, who welcomed the gathering crowds as the carnival atmosphere entered full swing.

The Shirley Pipe Band made for a thunderous opening to the festival, billed as 'the people's festival' by artistic director Chris Jaeger.

Going strong for 14 years now, the festival is now exceptionally broad in scope and ambition, offering something for everything with 461 events over the course of 17 days.

Of those events, 232 are free and 75 are £5 or less. Events include circus skills, funky face painting, exhibitions, the Worcester Show in Gheluvelt Park, talks about Worcester's history, a chance to see Marylin Monroe's little black dress at the city's art gallery and museum, a tour of the cathedral library, choral music, the Forgotten Tales at the Swan Theatre which brings to life the folklore and myths of Britain and the Worcester CAMRA Beer, Cider and Perry Festival on Pitchcroft.

Organisers estimate that between 10,000 and 15,000 people will watch the fireworks display alone while they 'conservatively estimate' that around 250,000 will see a festival event at some point.

Returning after four years are the Rajasthan Heritage Brass Band. Another highlight is 'The Codebreakers', an illustrated talk by Dr Mark Baldwin.

He will bring with him to Huntingdon Hall one of the few surviving Enigma machines which helped turn the tide of the Second World War in the favour of the Allies, bringing to life the invaluable work of the Bletchley Park codebreakers.

Ben Humphrey, administrator and director, said the festival was 'jam-packed' with events.

He added: "One of the things we pride ourselves on is that so many festivals have grown out of this festival. There's something for everyone. It's brilliant for business and tourism."

Chris Jaeger said: "It's a people's festival and I'm always excited about that. It's not an arts festival. It's a festival of celebration for the people of Worcester. We are trying to make it as cheap and accessible as possible for everyone."

The crowds went quackers for the duck race at South Quay on Saturday which was expected to raise more than £1,000 for St Richard's Hospice.

Sponsored by Puddle Ducks for a fourth year, it is the first year people have been able to purchase ducks online which helped boost the fundraising total said fundraiser Jayne Sargeant.

The small duck race was won by the Brimmell family of Claines, Louise and Peter Brimmell and their children, Zara, 10, and Harry, 13.

Mrs Brimmell's mother, Freda Bradley, passed away at St Richard's on July 17 with £400 raised for the hospice at her funeral.

Mr Brimmell said: "The care she received was absolutely fantastic."

Lydia Palmer, aged three, of Bromsgrove won the fancy dress duck race with the zebra duck and Sadie Blower, aged 10, of Farnborough won the large duck race.

Organisers wished to thank Events Medi for providing first aid support and Water Rescue UK who collected the ducks and helped create the waves which swept them towards the finish line.