THE ORGANISERS of the Evesham River Festival have announced there will be no event this summer.
The ‘difficult’ decision to postpone the event scheduled for July 13 was announced today (April 30) but plans are already in progress to relaunch it bigger and better next year.
A whole new family zone is being planned for the much-loved day as well as promise to keep on showcasing best of local musical talent.
The committee said it aspires to keep the same welcoming spirit the festival has provided since its founding in 1986.
Festival chairman, Doug Payne said: “We are taking the opportunity to rebrand, regroup and redefine the festival ready for a full re-launch in 2027.
He said that over the summer and autumn the committee will be seeking more supporters and volunteers who are able to donate some time and energy to the festival to make it financially viable in the long term.
“We are hoping that over the summer, as the plans for a rebranded and revitalised festival in 2027 come together, we will be able to engage with many more local community groups and businesses, making the festival a real focus for everything that is good in our town,” he added.
Caitlin Donnahey, festival co-ordinator, added: “We will be offering a wide range of sponsorship packages, to fit every business size and budget, which we hope will encourage more participation from the smallest sole trader to the large established organisations in the town and surrounding area.
“We will also be looking at ways that people and businesses can give ‘in-kind’ – from volunteering on the day, to helping a small local charity take part.”
The festival committee hopes to develop a funding model which will move it towards self-sufficiency over the coming years and allow it to support many more local charities and organisations who want to come to be part of it.
The festival team said it is already actively engaging with organisations to come on board in 2027 which will dramatically improve the family-friendly environment and encourage more footfall.
“We will be working hard over the coming months to produce an outstanding event for the town, its residents and businesses, as well as attracting visitors from further afield,” said Marion Fleetwood, the festival entertainment manager.
“We feature the very best local musical talent, working with, amongst others, the Red Lion, to showcase the incredible musicians who live here.
“Above all the festival is all about the river and our community, and building their involvement is our top priority.”
The festival costs around £9k to run each year and last year’s event was supported by Wychavon District Council and Evesham Town Council amongst others.
Doug added: “All of us at the river festival hope the people of the town and boaters from further afield keep the second weekend in July 2027 free and will join us by the river for the rebirth of one of the towns favourite festivals.”
Anyone wanting to get involved should email [email protected] for more information.
