A CELEBRATION of the River Avon is set to return to Pershore next Saturday (July 19) with the return of the annual river festival.
The theme of this year’s event is Rock the Avon (don’t wreck the Avon), and is set to feature all kinds of water and land-based activities to suit all ages.
Organised by Avon Navigation Trust, in collaboration with Pershore Riverside Youth Centre, the free event has become a staple part of Pershore’s annual calendar, raising funds for young people.
Attractions on the river include a Bell Boat Regatta organised by Andy Train of Fladbury with races for community teams, including the Wychavon Parish Games.
Avon Navigation Trust will have its floating Waterways Centre on site and boat trips on MV Princess Marina and MV Corsair will provide visitors with a chance to explore the river. The Marine Volunteer Service will entertain too.
Other watery attractions include stand-up paddleboards and try-it sessions in canoes and kayaks, organised by Wychavon Kayak and Canoe Club.
On land will be stalls for food, crafts and charities, plus an inflatable assault course for children and mad Sumo Wrestling.
Children’s football and short tennis activities will feature and it is hoped that there will be displays by Worcestershire Wildlife Trust with guided tours of Avon Meadows Community Wetland.
A raffle with generous prizes will see profits going to the Riverside Youth Centre.
Refreshments will be provided at the centre with hot food available from Pershore Football Club.
Entertainment includes 14 different musical acts throughout the day.
Organisers have written a song to emphasise the importance of the river to wildlife and to the town which will be performed at the festival.
“So much has been written about pollution of our rivers, we want everyone at the festival to recognise that we must all help to keep our river alive.
“The Avon is a vital part of Pershore’s environment for wildlife as much as for people. We must hold the river in trust for future generations,” said organising committee member Charles Tucker.
The event runs from 10am to 4pm at King George’s Field. Car parking available at Pershore Football for a donation.
See full programme here.
