CROWDS in their thousands flocked to one of the city's best loved summer fetes which proved a feast for the senses and chance to have fun for all the family from young kids to big kids.

Warndon Villages Summer Fete today in Ankerage Green in Worcester continues to prove popular with every conceivable type of entertainment crammed into the car park.

It is estimated between 1,500 and 2,000 people attended the annual fete which ran between noon and 4pm and organisers believe it is growing in popularity year on year.

WILDLIFE: Simon Warr of the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust with the skull of a badger at Warndon Villages Summer Fete in Worcester WILDLIFE: Simon Warr of the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust with the skull of a badger at Warndon Villages Summer Fete in Worcester (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

From a Punch and Judy show to pony rides and from tomahawk throwing to a mischievous robot made from recycled material who had a cheeky habit of spraying gawping onlookers with water, there was something to suit all tastes and interests.

There were teacup rides, a stage for bands, hook a duck, traditional chair o planes, a carousal, circus bungees, a bungee run, a candy floss stand, Green Ape Pedal Powered Smoothie Bike and a chance to learn about the fascinating animals living in our countryside, courtesy of the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust.

The trust's Simon Warr, warden for the Knapp and Papermill, said: "Membership is vital to us and these events help. People are more inclined to support local charities like us."

NAUTICAL: Ali Euston in her pirate-themed escape room at Warndon Villages Summer Fete NAUTICAL: Ali Euston in her pirate-themed escape room at Warndon Villages Summer Fete (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

Visitors also had the the opportunity to step inside the cockpit of the Midlands Air Ambulance, raising money for the charity, and there were a range of activities for toddlers, including Jungle Jiggle. West Mercia Police were also in attendance, showing off some of the kit they use.

For the 20th Worcester Scout Group, their tomahawk throwing was a chance to boost their participation fund, making the organisation as accessible as possible for everyone so people from all backgrounds can enjoy the benefits. 

AIM: Lee Russell of the 20th Worcester Scout Group takes aim with a tomahawk after talking through the safety drill at Warndon Villages Summer Fete AIM: Lee Russell of the 20th Worcester Scout Group takes aim with a tomahawk after talking through the safety drill at Warndon Villages Summer Fete (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

New this year is the escape room, designed and largely built by Ali Euston inside a caravan which doubles as The Good Ship Musketeer. The interior is suitably nautical with portraits of pirates, a ship's wheel and other maritime touches.

The aim of the game is to find the lost leg of Long John Silver, lost in a fight with his fierce rival, Captain Bart Roberts (the lost leg being his favourite as it has a tattoo of a treasure map).

ROBOT: Sparky the Robot turns heads at Warndon Villages Summer Fete ROBOT: Sparky the Robot turns heads at Warndon Villages Summer Fete (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

Lauren Cartwright, manager at the Lyppard Hub which organised the fete, said funding support from both Warndon Parish Council and Tesco made the fete possible. 

"It feels busier this year. It's great and nice to feel that sense of community," said Mrs Cartwright.

FRIENDLY: PSCO Kyle Westwood (left) and PSCO Connor Riley meet five-year-old Pippa Wadley at the Warndon Villages Summer Fete FRIENDLY: PSCO Kyle Westwood (left) and PSCO Connor Riley meet five-year-old Pippa Wadley at the Warndon Villages Summer Fete (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

The fete helps the Hub run important community projects throughout the year, including a dementia support group, a community cafe, a children's clothing exchange, and youth clubs.

Funds raised also help buy any new equipment that might be needed.

She said it was an opportunity to see friends and supporters but also a chance to meet new people and tell them about the services run at the Lyppard Hub.

"Without that support, we would not be here. We are a registered charity and we have had a tough few years, post-Covid," she said.

Lucy Hodgson, chairman of Warndon Parish Council, said: "It's been brilliant. It's the community feel. Everybody is out enjoying the fun and enjoying all the activities."