A FIVE-DAY celebration of Evesham is on the cards in June as the fourth annual Evesham Walking Festival comes to town.
The programme has been expanded to cope with the demand from walkers and, as in previous years, the walks are themed, often with talks by local experts.
There is a definite railway feel to the programme this year with walks following both the Great Western Steam Railway route from Broadway to Winchcombe and along the Cotswold line.
A favourite from last year is to be repeated with a walk from Daylesford, including a sheepdog demonstration.
The five-day festival has been devised by Evesham Rambling Club and all the walks are led by members of the club, using local knowledge to ensure enjoyable, interesting routes.
Some incorporate circular walks created by the club as part of its ongoing campaign to gain Walkers are Welcome status for the town.
Alan Saunders, club secretary said: “For the past six years Evesham Rambling Club has been striving to meet the criteria for Walkers are Welcome accreditation.
“We have already created six circular walks, including the extremely popular Round Evesham Walk, and established the Walking Festival which goes from strength to strength.
“Recently, we have been working with Evesham Town Council, Wychavon District Council and like-minded local clubs and groups as part of a steering group in a push to achieve Walkers are Welcome status, which is a national idea.”
The festival coincides with a drive by the steering group to collect 1,300 signatures of support from residents of the WR11 postcode, a Walkers are Welcome requirement.
Caroline Tredwell, Evesham Place Projects Officer for Wychavon added: “The Evesham Walking Festival is an important part of promoting the Vale as a walking destination.
“Gaining Walkers are Welcome status for the town will contribute towards the objectives set out in the Town Plan and the Town Centre Prospectus. It also presents an opportunity for local businesses and contributes towards the physical health and mental well-being of the community.”
This year’s Festival runs from June 28 until July 2.
Visit www.eveshamwalkfest.org.uk for more.
