New raft race to get under way at Food & River Festival

The organisers of this year’s Melksham Food & River Festival are looking for clubs and groups who know the ropes when it comes to making a splash. 

An exciting new attraction on Saturday 3rd September, the first day of the festival, will be a Raft Race – a chance for the inventive, practical and artistic members of the community to show off their skills, team spirit and creativity in an attempt to build and race their own craft along the beautiful River Avon.

Saturday’s theme on this increasingly popular weekend festival will be ‘River Adventure’ with the Raft Race adding to the spectacle and enjoyment for spectators lining the banks of the river at the King George V Playing Field.

Brian DeAth, a Wilts & Berks Canal Trust volunteer said, “We are delighted to be trialling this new format, with Saturday’s ‘River Adventure’ including the very popular public boat trips, Try Canoeing and other water based activities.

“The Raft Race will be an exciting new attraction for 2016, and we are inviting teams to bring along a raft which they have designed and made beforehand; they will then launch it, and take part in a race on the river.

“The entry fee will be £5 per head, with a maximum of 6 in a team, and it will be a brilliant opportunity for groups to raise sponsorship for their own good causes. We already have several organisations which are interested in taking part; we can provide a set of rules, including the maximum dimensions, and suggestions as to where to find suitable materials.

“If local pubs, clubs, businesses and other community groups would like to be involved in this fantastic, entertaining and practical team challenge, please email me at b.death226@btinternet.com

“There will also be steam launches, divers, trail boats, river trips and other activities continuing on the Sunday, so put the date in your diary now and join in the fun on the weekend of 3rd & 4th of September.”

Sunday 4th of September will see the main Food Festival on the playing field.

Adrienne Westbrook, chair of the organising committee, said: “Sunday will be the main food and drinks day, showcasing local producers, as well as providing free entertainment with local bands. We already have 60 stalls and attractions booked, of which 40 are food or drinks based, where visitors can sample and buy a huge array of products. It will be wonderful once again to make use of our beautiful River Avon, as well as raising awareness of the amazing food and drink providers we have in our area.”

Sunday will also see the ever popular Chilli Eating Competition, where competitors pit their taste buds against increasingly intense chillies supplied by the Wiltshire Chilli Farm.

Adrienne added: “We would like to thank Waitrose very much for their continuing support for this very exciting event in the Melksham Calendar. Waitrose is our main sponsor, but we would be delighted to welcome other sponsors; companies or individuals could receive publicity for supporting the music, the programme itself, the chilli-eating competition, the raft race, or even the toilets!”

Please contact Adrienne: by phone: 07595 420021; email: – info@melkshamfoodandriverfestival.co.uk or visit: http://melksham foodfestival.weebly.com/

“The Food and River Festival will take place over the weekend of 3rd and 4th September at the King George V playing field, and we are looking forward to another fantastic community event,” added Adrienne.