THE EVESHAM River Festival looks set to attract up to 10,000 visitors to the town centre this weekend for a celebration of the Avon.
The free family-friendly event which takes place along Workman Gardens on Saturday (July 12) has plenty to entertain with water safety being a major theme this year according to organisers.
The day kicks off at 11am with an opening ceremony and throughout the day there will be lots to see and do including river rescue demonstrations, steam boats, displays from Stratford on Avon Kayaks (SOAK).
Highlights include a boat parade at 2.15pm, raft race at 3.15pm with singing and dancing from local community groups throughout the day.
Evening entertainment will feature The Strangers, a one-off band of local musicians who have united for the occasion followed by local legends The Texan Peacocks at 8pm.
The evening finishes with an illuminated boat parade at 10pm then a display of fireworks will bring the night to a close at approximately 10.30pm.
Between 30 and 40 leisure boats are booked to attend and there is still room for any late bookings. Vessels can arrive on Friday and stay until Sunday – a cost is applicable.
Chairman of the organising committee, Doug Payne told the Observer he was looking forward to welcoming visitors to the event. “It’s all good fun. We’ve got good weather so that’s always a plus.
“This year we are promoting water safety with community awareness sessions running throughout the day.
“In 2024, 61 per cent of drowning fatalities occurred at inland waterways like rivers and lakes so we will be including activities for youngsters to learn so they know what to do.”
See theeveshamriverfestival.uk for more information and to download a festival programme.
