FINAL preparations are being made for a weekend of "spectacular" entertainment in Bewdley celebrating the history, location and culture of the town.

The "Rediscover Bewdley" weekend will take place on Saturday, March 25 and Sunday, March 26 and has been organised by Opportunity Bewdley to mark the completion of the flood defence works.

Highlights of the weekend include a river display, which will take place on the Saturday evening and features illuminated sculptures created by local schoolchildren, a procession of people in costume accompanied by dhol drumming and bhangra music and a fireworks display.

The Bewdley Civic Society will present a heritage display, including memorabilia, photographs and regalia, and will lead historical town tours on both days.

St Anne's Church tower will be open to visitors and the Severn Valley Railway is inviting visitors to see behind the scenes.

An exhibition by professional artists and contemporary craftsmen from Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, Shropshire and Wales will be held in Bewdley Institute and its gardens during the weekend, until Thursday, March 30.

The Bewdley Tapestry, which was created by Bewdley artist, Cynthia Pearson, in 1998 and hangs in Bewdley Medical Centre, is to be updated and there will be workshops to help people create their own portrait.

Children from Wribbenhall First and Middle schools and St Anne's First and Middle schools will be creating artwork depicting what Bewdley means to them, as well as willow sculptures, which will be displayed around the town.

There will be musical performances taking place around the town, from jazz and classical to pop and rock, which have been arranged with the help of the organisers of Bewdley Festival and Bewdley Fringe.

Other activities include workshops for children at Bewdley Museum, such as face painting and a treasure trail, charcoal and besom-making at Wyre Forest Visitor Centre and a host of other entertainment.

There will be a farmers' and food market along the riverside on Sunday and pubs and restaurants have produced special menus with local produce.

Amanda Sheehy, spokeswoman for Opportunity Bewdley, said: "The events have been organised by the people of the town as both an act of civic pride and to demonstrate to the world beyond, what delights there are in Bewdley.

"The weekend expects to draw a crowd including residents and visitors from near and far and promises to be one of Worcestershire's finest events of the year."

For further details, contact Opportunity Bewdley on 01299 405516.