THE countdown has begun to next month's mediaeval festival.

The second St Richard's Festival, which celebrates Droitwich's patron saint, will be held on Saturday, May 3.

The day promises to be full of mediaeval magic. The life of St Richard will be celebrated with a display at the Heritage Centre and there will be storytelling, including the legend of making the town's brine wells flow again.

The festival will resurrect the old tradition of decking the brine pit with greenery and tapestry, as well as decorating the Upwich Brine Pit, the Old Pump in Gurneys Lane and St Richard's statue, with floral displays.

Festival-goers can also take a canal boat trip on the Pamela May, learn more about the town's unique heritage, have their faces painted or join in a church celebration.

The Merrie England Mediaeval Entertainers will perform in Vines Park where knights will dress in full armour demonstrating their combat displays.

There will also be dancing, fire juggling and fire breathing. In the High Street, music will be performed by In Taberna, who will be using genuine mediaeval instruments.

Information stalls, and the Worcestershire mobile museum and the Spa Housing information bus, will also line the street.

Spectacular views of the Spa can be seen by visiting the Norman church of St Augustine and climbing up the Dodderhill tower.

The day also sees the return of the popular Italian market to Saltbarrow, offering a range of foods, and the monthly farmers' market and craft stalls, in Victoria Square.

Janet Yates, Droitwich Spa's area partnership manager, said: "St Richard's Festival was held for the first time last year and was a popular event. There will be plenty of fun and entertainment for visitors this year."

For more information, contact Janet on 01386 565355.