First ever River Festival is huge success

Buy photos » Phyllies Jonson on boat Caetus l at Pershore's first ever River Festival. Photo by Neville Collins 29012010nce3 Order this picture online at www.buyphotos247.com

PERSHORE's first ever River Festival has been hailed a resounding success by organisers with plans already in the pipeline to host it again next year.

More than 2,000 visitors flocked to King Georges' Field to celebrate the historic event on Saturday and Sunday (July 14/15) as an array of boaters arrived in the town.

The weekend saw several activities take place on the river including a special demonstration from the South Worcestershire Lifeguards group, boat trips up and down the river and riverside walks.

Other attractions included market and craft stalls on the river bank as well as a variety of live music at the nearby Angel Inn Gardens.

The recent awful weather conditions had put a doubt on whether the two-day event would go ahead, especially with the cancellation of the Evesham River Festival on the weekend before, but festival organiser Richard Grantham said it went brilliantly well.

"I am really proud of how it has all gone," Mr Grantham told the Observer. "Overall it has been a resounding success.

"I could not have done it without all the people who have supported the event and came along as well as the boaters and the Avon Navigation Trust.

"I made the decision to go ahead with the festival at 10am on Thursday and I'm glad I did so. It was great to see so many people turn up.

"I've got no choice in the matter regards to planning a festival next year. The stall holders have asked for it and the boaters have told me they are coming back for next year's festival so we will start planning again in September."

To see more pictures see this week's Observer.

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