WITH just over two weeks to go preparations are well underway to make sure there's a packed programme for Droitwich Spa's inaugural Salt Day celebrations.

Planned for Saturday, September 16, the event is set to mark the town's unique and ancient salt heritage, and what the Spa has to offer today.

One highlight of the event will see townsfolk given the opportunity to see inside the oldest and perhaps the most architecturally important domestic building in Droitwich.

Number 31, the High Street, which is occupied by Welcome Home Fireplaces, boasts unique timber mouldings and carvings which are almost completely unchanged since the 1400s. It is believed that the building was the home of a rich local man of some taste and distinction.

The chance to view the historic timbers will celebrate the building's place on the new town trail, which will also be launched on Salt Day.

Number 31 will be open to visitors throughout the day with local expert Frank Hazzard, from Droitwich Spa Civic Society, on hand to field questions about the building - which was last open to the public in 2003 as part of the national historic buildings scheme.

The building's frontage was also recently given a thorough makeover as part of the very first phase of the on-going High Street regeneration.

Other attractions on the special day will include live music, market and food stalls, guided tours of the town's historic sites, boat trips along the Droitwich Canals, poetry readings, salt-themed activities for children and a grand exhibition of children's paintings on the Droitwich canals theme.

The day will also see the unveiling of a new name for the open market area, launching it as a place for regular markets and events for the town as a whole. A feature on the day will be the unveiling of improvements to the town's unique working brine pumping station on Tower Hill and the launch of two new definitive town guides - a revamped town trail and souvenir town guide.

The event, which is being organised by Wychavon District Council's High Street regeneration group, also coincides with a three-day flower festival at St Andrews Church on the High Street.

Wychavon's area partnership manager Joe Ling said: "The Salt Day will bring new attention to the High Street as a place to shop and visit.

"We hope as many people as possible turn up to support this event with entertainment and attractions along the town's High Street, the open air market, Gurneys Lane and Vines Park. It is a chance to celebrate the Spa's heritage," he added.

by Chris Flavell