
Following last year’s successful Melksham Food & River Festival, Melksham Waitrose has once again agreed to be the main sponsor of this increasingly popular community event which is held in early September.
Chris Smith, manager of the local Waitrose store in Bath Road Melksham said,
“I am delighted to be able to help with this fantastic festival; we have supported this event for the last three years. Last year we were thrilled when we were told that between 6,000 and 7,000 people visited the festival. It is such an important event now in Melksham’s calendar, and Waitrose has always been a community- based company.”
At a recent handing-over ceremony, Chris Smith presented a cheque for £500 to Adrienne Westbrook, chair of the organising committee.
Adrienne said, “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 proposed raft race, or even the toilets! Please contact me by phone or 07595 420021 or email: info@melkshamfoodandriverfestival.co.uk or visit the website:
http://melkshamfoodfestival.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.
“Sunday will be the main food and drinks day, showcasing local producers, as well as providing free entertainment with local bands. We already have 50 stalls and attractions booked, of which 30 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.”
Brian De’Ath, a Wilts & Berks Canal Trust volunteer added, “We are trialling a new format this year, with a Saturday ‘River Adventure,’ when events will be centred on the River Avon, including the very popular public boat trips, Try canoeing and other water-based activities.
“One of these will be an exciting new attraction for 2016. 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. We already have one organisation which is 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 and community groups would like to be involved in this incredibly 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.”