THE RIVER Avon in Pershore will be the setting for all kinds of watery fun this Saturday (July 18) when the annual river festival comes to town.
Organised by Pershore Riverside Youth Centre with support from Avon Navigation Trust, the event which runs from 10am to 4pm at King George’s Field will feature a range of activities for young and old alike.
Attractions on the river include have-a-go canoeing and paddleboarding and boat rides, with the renowned Bell Boat Regatta races from 10am to 12.30pm and open to any team of eight (registration at 9am).
On land there will be a host of community stalls to browse, a trader’s market, children’s activities, dancing, singing, drama and other musical entertainment on the main stage.
“We will see lots of people out on the river in bell boats, canoes and on paddleboards.
“Also, we hope to have several teams entering the ever popular Bell Boat Regatta – there’s no age limit,” said organiser Charles Tucker.
Issues around pollution of waterways quite rightly take prominence with several workshops organised by the Avon Vale River Action Group and The Severn Trust focusing on water sampling and wildlife.
Moving Souls Dance will be working with young people from Pershore to put on a short play, all worked through on the day. Maypole dancing is a new feature.
Musical acts throughout the day include drumming workshop Drum Love, Pershore’s Feel Good Chorus, the Singing for Health Choir and Group Rec Age.
A magician, funfair, bouncy castle will help to keep the youngsters happy.
This year the festival will welcome Ondine’s Odyssey, a project winding its way down the length of the Avon this summer.
Ondine, a sculpture made of sustainable materials, is designed to capture the spirit of the river and will arrive at the start of the festival.
Charles said: “It has been designed to raise awareness of the current health of the river and generate a conversation that will lead to actions that we can all take to prevent the river from further pollution.”
At 1pm there will be an official ‘twinning’ ceremony between the Avon at Pershore with the River Nene at Thrapston.
This will be led by the mayor of Pershore, Coun Julie Hemming and Thrapston’s mayor Coun Craig Wilcocks.
“The Avon at Pershore and the Nene at Thrapston have both played a major part in the history and development of the towns and both have similar issues now.
“We can both learn from each other.
“The river festival is a great opportunity to cement the Sister Rivers link between our towns,” Charles added.
The Riverside Youth Centre will open to serve teas and refreshments.
All proceeds will go to promote its work.
To enter the regatta visit pershoreriverfestival.org.uk to download an entry form.
