VIKINGS are set to sail down the River Avon through Pershore to celebrate the town’s annual River Festival.
Following on from the success of Evesham’s River Festival on Saturday (July 11), Pershore residents will be making a splash of their own tomorrow (Saturday) when they take to the waterways for the town’s spectacle with a twist.
Having been established in 2012 , the event has continued to go from strength to strength and organisers have again put together a packed programme of events.
There will be plenty for all the family to take part in and as well as the Viking theme, there will be ‘have a go’ canoe and kayak lessons, exotic animals, a funfair, circus skills, sports, face painting, stalls, refreshments and displays on the water throughout the day.
The undoubted highlight will be the Viking Living Village on King George’s Field and visitors can take a step back in time to watch Vikings clash in their very own battle arena.
Boat trips, displays and appearance from the Happenstance Border Morris group are also on the menu for what promises to be a fantastic afternoon of fun.
The event’s main base will be situated at the Pershore Riverside Centre where the majority of the activities take place.
Pershore’s popular Wetlands are hosting wildlife walks and pond dipping sessions in groups on the day of the River Festival on the Avon Meadows.
It is part of the Wetlands for the All Project, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and anyone keen to find out more can visit the stall on the day to book their place.
And the festival will be rounded off with a candle lit and carnival style boat parade, with a special late night prize giving at the Angel Hotel.
Although the festival will end at 5pm, the fun will continue into the evening as the Angel will play host to bands and a beer tent.
Alex Mellor, manager at the Riverside Centre said: “It should be a great day, with the Viking longship and battle.
“I’m personally excited that we have the National Demo Fleet of the new stand up paddle boards for people to have go on.
“It’s especially great as the new watersports centre is almost finished and I’d be happy to show people around it at the festival.”
The event will kick off at 10.30am when a Viking longship will cruise down the river and ‘invade’ the town.
Entry is free and funds raised from the event’s activities will go towards the Pershore Riverside Youth Centre Charity.
Visit www.pershoreriverfestival.org for more information on the event.
