High-altitude thrills and a few beer-related spills made for a fun-packed, record-breaking festival bringing together crowds in their thousands.

From Roman soldiers to spectacular parachute jumps and from fireworks to the best in county food, spectators were spoiled for choice at Salt Fest in Vines Park in Droitwich over the weekend.

Salt Fest 2023 scaled dizzy new heights with a parachute jump which delighted the crowds while the Roman village reminded people of the town's past. The weather was so hot the soldiers had to seek shade and shed some of their armour but were happy to put it on again for living history displays, telling visitors about the deadly weapons and world of the legions. 

Simon Berry, owner of the Gardeners Arms (this year's Salt Fest organisers), estimated 28,000 people attended Salt Fest over the course of the weekend which, subject to final confirmation, would be a record turnout.

Nigel Grundy, area manager for Droitwich Leisure Centre and the Lido, said: "I had a walk around this afternoon. It's fantastic and it's great to see the variety of stalls and great to see local people down there, all getting together.  It's great for the community."

Droitwich Salt Fest celebrates the town's salt history and started on Thursday with its first-ever Midlands Comedy Club Night.

Highlights included a funfair and local food and charity stalls but one of the crowd-pleasers was the parachute jump, courtesy of the Royal Navy Parachute Team, The Raiders.

The team of four jumped from a helicopter from a height of 5,000 feet before landing at King George V Playing Fields, displaying flags including the white ensign, the Union flag and the Royal Marine Corps colours. 

Gathered to watch were the Mayor of Droitwich, Cllr Kate Fellows, The Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire Beatrice Grant and the Mid Worcestershire MP Nigel Huddleston.