MORE than 4,500 visitors packed in to Bewdley last weekend for the popular Mid-Winter Festival.

The free event, organised by Wyre Forest District Council, took place on Saturday (January 9) and hosted live music, delicious food and the beloved Bewdley Wassail ceremony.

Entertained during the event featured the striking Wassail Woman, live music from Bewdley Choral Society, blues singer the Honeyboy Jones and Kickin’ Alice with their Appalachain dancers. Visitors to the event also learnt some Appalachain moves as Kickin’ Alice welcomed the audience to join them on stage.

The parade marched through Jubilee Gardens to the Community Orchard, led by rhythmic drumming and fantastic storytellers. Visitors were drawn in and took part in the interactive Wassail Ceremony, with cheers heard ringing around the town.

The parade also gave children and adults alike the chance to show off their Wassail hats. The competition had a category for both children and adults, and was judged by the Mayor of Bewdley, Councillor Calne Edginton-White, local resident Peter Archer and Steph Cochran, Miss Worcestershire Crown and Glory.

Seven-year-old Leo was announced as the winner of the children’s category and Helen Humphries won the adult category.

Cllr Edginton-White said: “The Mid-Winter Festival was a fabulous event, in spite of the weather many families attended.

“The hats were particularly attractive and the children’s decorated hats were delightful, particularly Leo’s hat which came first in the children’s section.

“The entertainment was first class and I would like to say a big thank you for yet another brilliant event getting us off to a great start in 2016.”

Delicious dishes from local traders included Little Retro Kitchen, Sticky Fig Catering, White Cottage Bakery, Paisley Catering and a hog roast from the Hop Pole were available throughout the event. The Shambles Café also brought a wide range of ciders to taste, including mulled cider and local classics.