Thousands turn out for Lichfield Bower festival

The traditional procession was the main attraction for people who lined the streets to cheer it on.

But again Beacon Park played host to a wide variety of entertainment and activities.

There were fairground rides, arts and crafts among a vast array of stalls.

While the atmosphere was kept going thanks to sounds coming from the music tent which this year featured 90s Britpop sensation Dodgy, Birmingham artist Stealth and Adele tribute Chloe Whitelaw.

A brand new section called Paws in the Park was introduced for 2016.

It included the successful Scruffs Dog Show from last year as well provide a host of activities for visitors and their own dogs to take part in.

The Bower dates back to the 12th Century when King Henry II was on the throne at time when England had no standing army.

As a result he set up a Commission of Arraye to muster all able-bodied men between 16 and 60 at gatherings around the country.

In Lichfield the Courtes of Arraye, as it was known, was held on Whit Monday at Greenhill where Bower House was located.

This soon evolved into all of the men being paraded around the streets of the city accompanied by the Lichfield Morris dancers.

When England had a standing army under James II Courts of Arraye were abolished in 1690 around the country except in Lichfield where residents continued with the event because they enjoyed Bower Day so much. It has remained in the city to this day including many of the same features including the men-at-arms being mustered and inspected at the Guildhall before leading the parade.

Stuart Jakeman, who organised the stalls in city centre for the event, said: "The procession has been absolutely brilliant this year. Loads of people have come along there must have been tens of thousands."