THE May Day holiday got off to a damp start in Worcestershire, and although the weather has dried somewhat since this morning, showers are still forecast for the early afternoon.

But rain or not, there is still plenty to do across the county, for example the well-dressing festival in Malvern.

No fewer than 55 water features in and around the town and the hills have been decorated by schools, community groups and others, and a handy map listing them all is available from the tourist information Office in Church Street.

Staying in Malvern, the Big Splash in Priory Park is on until 5pm, and offers the unique opportunity to see a performance in a mobile whale-shaped theatre, thanks to Coventry-based performers Talking Birds.

The day also includes the chance for people to make their own watery music, try out zorbing, test their water divining skills and see if they can taste their Buxton from their Volvic with water sommelier Simon Clark, and much more.

Eastnor Castle is hosting the annual chilli festival, giving visitors the chance to test their taste buds against some of the hottest cuisines around.

The Upton Folk Festival offers the best of British rural music and dancing in a picturesque riverside venue, and over in Droitwich, the St Richard's Canal Festival has plenty of narrowboats, stalls, foord and drink, a car show, and, at 4.30pm, a duck race.

And at Eckington, near Pershore, villages have opened up their garages for a special sale day from 10am until 2pm. The WI is offering tea and cakes at the village hall as well.