THIS weekend sees the return of the popular Evesham River Festival and once again crowds will be wowed by the spectacular illuminated boat parade and firework display.
The two-day annual event returns with a packed programme of events and organisers have said it will be better than ever before.
Many crowd favourites will be returning to the River Avon, including the Steam Boat Association who this year will be holding its officials steam boat rally with a colourful array of boats.
The festival is also welcoming back the world’s number one life saving dogs, the Newfoundland Rescue Dogs from South Wales, who will once again showcase their water rescue skills.
South Worcestershire Life Savers will be taking to the water to display their wares and will be offering trips on their boats.
As well as that there will be water sports relays and a ‘make your own raft’ race.
And as every year, the annual event culminates with the popular illuminated boat parade and firework display and this year’s boat theme will be book titles.
Doug Payne of the Evesham Boat Festival Planning Committee said: “We are making this year’s Festival even better by asking local businesses to support the festival through sponsorship packages Bronze, Silver and Gold. This will allow us to bring back many of the old favourites and importantly attract some new ones, which will be promoting on the lead up to the festival on our website.
“This festival is of great importance to Evesham, it builds community spirit and gives everyone the chance to use our wonderful riverside.
“We can only continue to do this if the residents, visitors and local businesses support the Festival and get involved.
“Getting into the water is not for everyone so we have lots of stalls selling food and crafts, a refreshments bar, plus lots and lots of action packed things for the kids to take part in.
“And, as the sun goes down, we will finish off the evening with a spectacular illuminated boat parade and a fireworks show.”
Here’s a full list of all the events taking place today:
11.00: Opening Ceremony
12.00: Newfoundland Rescue Dogs Display
12.30: Helen Pearson with her rendition of songs from the 40’s through to the 70’s
13.00: Steam Boat Parade
13.30: More from Helen Pearson
14.00: South Worcestershire Life Guards & Stand Up Paddle Demo
14.30: Aria Dance Company will show us some moves!
15.00: Themed Boat Parade
15.30: Sarah Carter will wow us with her beautiful voice
16.00: Build Your Own Raft…and race it!
16.30: Urban Dance Academy will energise the afternoon with a mix of urban dance
17.00: Newfoundland Rescue Dogs Display
18.00: Come see the Worcestershire Levellers with their powerful acoustic folk
18.30: South Worcestershire Life Guards & Stand Up Paddle Demo
19.00: Release the ducks!!! Annual Duck Race for Charity
19.30: Katrin Leoni will take us into the evening
20.00 – 22.00: Watch this space!
22.00: Illuminated Boat Display
