WET WEATHER did not stop a day full of celebration as this year’s Pershore Plum Festival got underway last weekend.
Despite conditions more suited to plum growing rather than plum celebrating, crowds gathered in Pershore town centre to mark the annual event on Saturday.
Antiques Roadshow star Henry Sandon, as in previous years, was the special guest on the day and had the honour of officially declaring the festival open after acknowledgements from Chairman of Wychavon District Council Coun Lynne Duffy and the
Pershore Mayor Coun Tony Rowley.
A variety of entertainment acts performed on the largest stage the festival has during the plum-filled day of activities.
This year’s plum princess Analeise Cooper and her attendants Ella Townend and Lilly Adams, also performed their first duties in helping get the festival underway.
Ron Dadge was on hand selling plums in addition to other fresh fruit and vegetables, while Abbey Butchers had another opportunity to showcase their unique plum offerings featuring sausages, burgers, cheese and pork pies.
Pershore County Markets returned to sell their goods and a special appearance from Roy and Caroline Hirons presented visitors with a fascinating insight into Pershore’s history relating specifically to the old Pershore Racecourse.
This year’s new official merchandise was also launched.
The event came just days after the festival held its popular race evening at Worcester Racecourse in front of a bumper crowd.
The pinnacle race, the Land O’Plums Chase, was won by A P McCoy aboard Sedgemoor Express.
Janet Butler (Plum Festival Treasurer), Steve Knight (Pershore Town Manager) and Katie Sexton (Tourism and Regeneration Assistant) enjoy the celebrations. 3214007MMR2
Purple balloons line Pershore High Street. 3214007MMR5
Ray Izod plays to those braving the weather. 3214007MMR6
Sarah Kelly and Christopher Baker of Ron Dadge Retail with their plums for sale. 3214007MMR4
Move on Up brave the weather to entertain Pershore. 3214007MMR3
