THE Roman Army, stilt walkers, and music from the 1940s will help provide a varied mix of fun and entertainment for all the family when Droitwich’s annual Salt Day comes to town.

The event, now in its fourth year, celebrates Droitwich Spa’s past and present, but especially the town’s historic association with salt, which can be traced back several thousand years to the Iron Age period.

Janet Yates, Droitwich Spa Area Partnership manager for Wychavon District Council, said: “Salt Day is a very popular event and one in which many local groups and organisations get involved.

“It always amazes me how much this event has grown – it’s an ideal day out for the whole family and one which shows what Droitwich Spa has to offer.”

Children and young people will be well-catered for with art and drumming workshops, stilt-walkers, giant bubbles and have-a-go circus.

There will also be the Museum on the Move and Big Red Fun Bus for children to explore when the Salt Day takes place on Saturday.

Vines Park, which is where the Roman Army will set up camp, will also feature a youth zone where local young people are to showcase their talents and visitors will be offered the chance to have a go at sports and canoeing activities.

Visitors to the Heritage Centre will have the chance to learn about all things salt from the fascinating displays, while there will be a demonstration of extracting salt from brine as it was done during the Iron Age, a salt story and poetry workshops, and a chance to dance around a salt cellar. Meanwhile, Victoria Square will be transformed into the wartime period of the 1940s with displays, vehicles, music and re-enactors.

Other attractions include music and entertainment, craft stalls, smoke house and canal boat trips.

The day starts with a farmers’ market at 9am followed by the main Salt Festival at 11am. The event also coincides with the opening of the new Droitwich Canals Gateway Park at Hanbury.

Guided walks will leave Vines Park for visitors interested in seeing this new part of the canal.

There will also be a sponsored canal walk in aid of Leonard Cheshire Disability and the Waterways Trust starting from Vines Park at 11am.

The day will finish with the ever-popular duck race.

The event is being organised by Wychavon District Council in conjunction with Droitwich Spa Area Partnership and other local organisations.