NEARLY 600 people flocked to the Hartlebury Castle Garden Party, held by the Friends of Hartlebury Castle and the Hurd Library.

The event was opened by Cath Mackie, of BBC West Midlands. A Naval Cadet party “piped” a welcome to her and Michael Brinton, Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire.

Entertainment throughout the afternoon included musical programmes from Helen Barley on harp, Chris Baron on accordion, a street organ, a Hartlebury-based brass quartet and the Elizabethan Singers in the Great Hall.

Pupils of Hartlebury CE Primary School performed a traditional Maypole dance, while local artists exhibited their work.

The garden party gave visitors the chance to see the Great Hall and Saloon. There were also special tours of the other state rooms and the Hurd Library, guided by local historians.

Over £4,000 was raised for the Hartlebury Castle Preservation Trust.

Sue Beeson, the trust’s chairman, said: “The success of this event was a tremendous achievement by the volunteers in the community.

“It also signals the outstanding support of the public for the Friends’ aims, which are to ensure that the Castle and Hurd Library are kept safe for public use and enjoyment in the future.

“The goals of the garden party were to raise money for the Hartlebury Castle Preservation Trust, to involve the local community in the venture and to raise awareness of the work of the Friends and the trust.

“The fine weather, everyone’s hard work and the public support ensured we achieved all three goals.”

More information about the work of the Friends or the Hartlebury Castle Preservation Trust can be found at www.hartleburycastletrust.org.