A WHIFF of sea air on the banks of the River Avon will be on offer in Pershore as the town’s river festival prepares to set sail.
The theme of this year’s event next Saturday (July 20) is ‘Beach Party’ so organisers are creating a sandy beach at the rear of the Pershore Riverside Youth Centre, where children can build sandcastles with buckets and spades, see a Punch and Judy show and watch a real magician. Parents can bring their deckchairs and sunbathe.
Visitors can have their photos taken in a saucy picture postcard too.
The festival aims to be a day out for all the family and features a wide range of stalls, a funfair, pony rides and other entertainments on King George’s Field, off King George’s Way.
Refreshments and a licensed cider bar will be available throughout the day in the garden of the Riverside Centre.
Water-based activities include the annual ‘best dressed boat’ competition, demonstrations by the Maritime Volunteer Service, South Worcestershire Lifesaving Club, boat trips by Avon Navigation Trust and – for the first time this year – races and have a go sessions by the Pershore Greyhounds Dragon Boats.
Bob Gilmor, chair of the festival said: “Pershore is sometimes accused of turning its back on its river but the increasing popularity of the River Festival shows that people love our riverside environment. This year’s theme of
‘Beach Party’ adds another dimension to an already popular format.”
The festival is jointly organised by Pershore Riverside Youth Centre and the Avon Navigation Trust.
Entry is free and all funds raised go to support the Youth Centre.
