A PINCH of salt and a whole heap of fun was on offer in Droitwich over the weekend as the town celebrated the annual Salt Fest.

The event, which celebrates the town's unique salt heritage, took over Droitwich during the weekend as activities, stalls, markets and music provided entertainment for visitors.

The festival was opened by the chairman of Wychavon District Council, Councillor Lynne Duffy, and Droitwich mayor Councillor Bob Brookes, and a parade through the town led by the Droitwich Air Cadets Band.

Cllr Brookes said there would be something for everyone over the weekend.

"This is a town literally built on salt," he said. "It is very important to the history of the town. On the mayor's chain it says, Sal Sapit Omnia, meaning Salt Flavours Everything.

"There are Roman Soldiers here, as this was a Roman town called Salinae, they manufactured salt here.

"I think it's wonderful that there are so many things happening and there are so many people in Droitwich giving their time to this. It makes the town what it is."

And the Roman Military Research Society, who set up camp in Vines Park, said they enjoyed the event.

Andy Powell, known as Nigrinvs, said: "This is the third year running we have been here. It was a Roman town and there is still a Roman building here.

"The festival is good fun. We have a camp here, and we do a series of demonstrations."

Keen historians from Hanbury Hall were also dressed up for the occasion.

Sisters Catherine and Eleanor Darwen performed as the niece and daughter of Janet Pearsall, Lady Georgina, and Alan Heywoods, dressed as Sir Harry Vernon.

Catherine said: "Sir Harry and Lady Georgina did a lot for the community. We walked in the parade today. It was quite nerve wracking."

Across the weekend there was also lots of other activities, including ‘Salt Alley’, which was open to the public to learn all about the town’s salt history with displays and activities, stalls in the park advertising community groups, a farmers' and craft market, a dog show and live music.

In the park two Vikings, James Cowlinshaw and David Aspinall, were offering boat trips on the community owned Pamela May Trust boat.

Mr Cowlingshaw said: "We had the gear so we thought we would dress the boat up for the trips, it makes it more interesting for the children."

"It's lovely to see the town so active and the setting here is perfect," added Mr Aspinall.

Former Droitwich residents Derek and Evelyn Phillips said they attended the festival every year.

Mr Phillips said: ""We watched the Romans coming in, it's good. Our son worked down here when they excavated it so we know the history as well.

"We come along every year. Our favourite bit is the amount of people that come to see the town and it helps to promote Droitwich."

Money was also raised over the weekend with a nine mile run on Sunday along the Droitwich canal to raise money for Murrays Muscles and the event ended with the arrival of the Women's Institute Centenary Baton in the town.