NEWLY restored canals will be at the heart of celebrations commemorating Droitwich’s brine heritage.

Salt Day, which takes place on Saturday, September 10, in-cludes a packed programme of events marking Droitwich’s historic association with salt, which can be traced back to the Iron Age.

From 11am, historic characters arrive at Vines Park by boat along part of the canal route, which has recently been reopened after a 35-year restoration campaign, to the sound of St Augustine’s bells.

There will be speeches in the park by Mayor of Droitwich Councillor Mike Barratt and Coun Tony Miller, chairman of Wychavon District Council, followed by a parade through town.

Earlier in the day there will be a farmers’ and craft market in St Andrew’s Street and St Andrew’s Church will open its doors at 10am for an exhibition by the Droitwich Arts Network.

Other attractions include a real ale tent in Vines Park run by local award-winning pub the Hop Pole, a Waitrose food tent, a Roman camp, salt-making demonstrations in Gurneys Lane, a display on the history of the salt industries in the Heritage Centre in Victoria Square and a 1940s experience with displays, vehicles, period music and re-enactors, also in Victoria Square.

Visitors can also enjoy music, entertainment, displays, canoeing and canal boat trips.

Local voluntary groups will have stalls, while representatives giving advice and demonstrations on healthy living, energy awareness and local services will be on hand.

Droitwich’s German and French twinning associations will have displays about Droitwich’s twin towns of Bad Ems and Voiron, as well as food and drink to sample or buy.

For the youngsters, there will be plenty to do with art workshops, stilt-walkers, puppet shows, circus skills, face-painting, a balloon race, the Museum on the Move, a farm animal corner and an owl display just some of the activities on offer.

Janet Yates, Droitwich area partnership manager for Wych-avon, said: “Salt Day has always been a fantastic day out for all the family, but now that the canals are reopened we’re hoping more people than ever before will come along to enjoy everything Droitwich has to offer.”