FESTIVALS, fetes and a farmers’ market made the May Day bank holiday a weekend of fun for all.

Across Worcestershire people braved bad weather forecasts and threw themselves into celebrating the traditional start of summer.

The St Richard’s Festival in Droitwich Spa was packed on Saturday as the town gathered to celebrate their patron saint.

Giacomo Rozzo, who came all the way from Milan to sell olive oils as part of the Italian market, was impressed by the festival – despite the continuous threat of rain.

“It’s going really well. The Italian stalls were here last year, but this is my first time. It is a good atmosphere and people seem quite interested in what I have to sell,” he said.

Droitwich mayor Maureen Lawley said: “We were keeping our fingers crossed that the weather would hold. There’s a lot of hard work which goes into it and it would have been a shame.”

And the changeable weather continued into Monday, as Worcester High Street was filled with farmers’ stalls selling traditional local produce, with a backdrop of salsa music.

More than 20 stalls lined the street, offering the best of Worcestershire – including locally grown fruits and vegetables, flowers and wines – while the Just Latin Salsa group performed dance displays in front of the Guildhall for passing shoppers.

Meanwhile, the King’s School welcomed people to its annual fete, which took place in College Green.

There was something for everyone – giant slides, climbing walls or even a bungee challenge for the young or young-at-heart and the chance to win a stylish Mini Cooper.

Opened by Worcester Warriors winger Miles Benjamin, the day was a huge success and raised lots of money for its chosen charities – the Noah’s Ark Trust, Worcestershire Breast Unit Appeal, Maggs Day Centre and the King’s Foundation.

Russ Mason, director of marketing for the school, said: “People still came out to support us in spite of the rain.

“There was a tremendous atmosphere and we are so thankful to both Miles, who opened the event, and all the hardworking members of the parents’ committee.”

The winner of the St Richard’s Festival duck was number 138. Second was number 100 and numbers 66 and 2 were joint third. Organisers would like to thank everyone who took part.