Thousands of people flocked to this year’s 10th annual Food and River Festival which was held at the King George V Park over the last weekend of August.
The event saw 3,000 people attend, and included a line-up of over 80 stalls selling local food and drink including artisan foods, craft ales, ciders, sprits, local crafts and more.
There were also river-based activities including boat rides, paddleboarding, kayaking and a demonstration from Wiltshire Search and Rescue. The popular zip-wire was also back, with MP Brian Mathew and Mayor Cllr Saffi Rabey having a go.
Live music entertained crowds from the stage, which was newly constructed for this year’s festival. A range of acts performed including One Voice Community Choir, Kris Nock Big Band, Rock Choir, The DeciBelles, vocalist Hannah Glencross, Ian Rayney and Rackham.
“The stage was fantastic,” said festival organiser Adrienne Westbrook. “The sound was fantastic and it was nice to see people sitting on the hay bales enjoying the live music.”
Community information was also a new addition to the 10th festival, with Giffords Surgery running blood pressure checks and energy advice being given on site.
Charities and community groups were also present including Evie’s Gift CIO, Freewheelers Blood Bikes, Guide Dogs for the Blind and Fundraising for Emma Rodger Foundation, Wiltshire Youth Canoe Club, Wiltshire Air Ambulance, plus more.
“The highlights were the number of people who turned out,” said festival organiser Adrienne Westbrook. “The weather forecast was absolute rubbish and you just live in hope that it is going to change and it didn’t change. The day dawned and from 10.30am onwards, people streamed in. People come and go from the river festival but it was full, it was full until 4pm. We did have to close the stage at 4pm due to the rain.”
“The traders were all happy, people were spending money. Everyone was having a lovely time and there was just a really nice and relaxed atmosphere. It was a very successful event.
“We’ve already started thinking about next year’s festival, so watch this space.”
