Thousands of people enjoyed a free festival for all the family including stilt walkers and historic characters as celebrations took place to mark the 25th anniversary of the Ironbridge Gorge becoming a World Heritage Site.

Organisers said visitors were kept entertained throughout the day on Saturday with a wide range of activities, events, stalls and music.

Paul Gossage, of Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust, said: “During the whole day we think there was up to 9,000 people.

“It was a great success.

“Visitors were very complimentary about the whole event.”

The attraction was designated as one of the UK’s first World Heritage Sites by Unesco in November 1986, alongside such sites as Stonehenge and the Giant’s Causeway.

On Saturday street performers, including stilt walkers, historic characters and buskers, entertained visitors while there were also musicians performing in the Square and outside the Swan Inn.

Workshops were held in the Merrythought Village and artistically talented visitors helped decorate a huge 16-foot wall with images of various landmarks along the Gorge.

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