A FESTIVAL celebrating one of Droitwich’s most famous sons has kicked off.
The Rik Mayall Comedy Festival returned for its second year after a successful debut in 2026.
Despite starting on Friday (May 29) the official opening of the event was held on the town’s High Street on Saturday (May 30).
Peter Richardson gave a speech about his close relationship with Rik Mayall – including how their children ended up getting married (Image: Newsquest)
This launched event included a speech from Peter Richardson, who worked closely with Mayall as part of The Comic Strip comedy group, as well as performances from the Droitwich Community Choir and comedian Mitch Benn.
Mr Benn, a self-confessed Rik Mayall superfan said: “Rik and Adrian (Edmondson) were a huge part of the reason I became a comedian.
“When Rik died in 2014, I realised that they had been my rockstars growing up.
“I grew up waiting for their new show to come out like people waited for a new album.”
Mitch Benn described Rik Mayall as ‘his rockstar’ growing up (Image: Newsquest)
Mr Benn had been popular with the crowds in the first year, and was back for the second.
He said: “I am delighted to be invited back to the festival again this year.”
“I love the idea of Rik being immortalised, and I love how much the local people are into it.
“You can get all the acts and volunteers you want, but you need the people of the town to be behind it and come along as well, and I am so glad that they are.”
Dozens of venues across the town are set to host hundreds of shows and events over the next week, with many performances offering free entry.
Anne John, from Droitwich, and Agnes Smith, from Edinburgh, were among the crowd enjoying the opening ceremony before heading off to
Agnes Smith and Anne John had already seen several acts at the comedy festival (Image: Newsquest)
Ms John said: “We are both big comedy and entertainment fans.
“We have already been to a few shows this weekend, and we are looking forward to seeing some more today.”
Steve Bayliss and Fiona Carlton were among the many volunteers supporting the festival (Image: Newsquest)
Dozens of volunteers, such as Steve Bayliss and Fiona Carlton, were on hand to help visitors to the festival make the most of their day.
Ms Carlton said: “I have lived in the town all my life so I knew the Mayall family.”
The Rik Mayall comedy festival will run until Saturday, June 6.