THE rain and miserable weather did little to dampen spirits as people in Worcestershire enjoyed a fun-packed bank holiday.

Hundreds came out to support the annual Pershore Carnival, which had the ironic theme of Summer Holiday.

Proceedings were kicked off with songs at the Baptist Church in Broad Street, where Pershore U3A singers, Wyred Up gospellers and Pershore Town Choir all performed.

A craft fair and a dog show were hosted at the Abbey before people dressed in Hawaiian shirts and holiday gear joined in the procession, which started at Pershore Town Football club at 1pm.

The crowds made their way through the town to Abbey Park, where the carnival was officially opened at 2pm.

Throughout the day, there was music from Evesham Hospital Radio and youth bands performing in the bandstand.

Donkey rides, a Punch and Judy show and a bouncy castle helped keep the youngsters entertained as the weather brightened up in the afternoon.

Carnival secretary Gill McEvoy said: “Considering the weather was so bad it was pretty good.

“Evesham hospital roadshow have kept everyone going at a super pace.

“We’ve had donkey rides, a lovely Punch and Judy show, a ghost train and a fairground.

“Considering the weather, schools turned out brilliantly for the procession.

“Abbey First School and lots of pre-schools and playgroups helped to make the day go really well.

“We want to thank everybody for turning out in this dreadful weather and supporting us all.”

Elsewhere, children were able to join a Victorian explorer at Witley Court in Great Witley to discover a range of fascinating minibeasts.

The Ugly Bug Safari gave visitors the chance to find out more about bugs and their habitat and make their own creepy crawlies to take home.

Visitors were taken back in time at a Second World War exhibition at the County Museum in Hartlebury, near Stourport.

We’ll Meet Again turned the clock back to life in the 1940s home front, where visitors were able to immerse themselves in the era, meeting military and civilian characters.

The museum also launched its Family at War exhibition giving people a peep into a typical 1940s house to show how the average Worcestershire family helped keep the country running, supported those on the front-line and helped ensure victory for the Allied forces.

The Penny Ha’Penny Horse and Pony Rescue, in Leigh Sinton, near Malvern, held an open day yesterday to offer visitors scenic walks around the sanctuary and the chance to meet the horses and ponies whose lives have been saved by charity founder Sue Penny.

A Worcester playgroup raised more than £1,000 at their summer fair.

Sticky Fingers playgroup and pre-school held its annual fair at St Stephen’s Church in Barbourne, on Saturday.

Children enjoyed a bouncy castle, face painting and games and there were also stalls selling cakes, plants, pickles and jams.

Organiser Heidi Mills, the playgroup’s secretary, said staff and committee members wanted to thank all those who visited.