RESIDENTS from Melksham and beyond flocked to the Food and River Festival this month at the King George V Playing Field to enjoy a weekend of food, drink, activities and entertainment.
Organiser Adrienne Westbrook said, “Wow! What an amazing weekend for the Food and River Festival. The weather certainly played its part for us. The highlight has to be that the people of Melksham and beyond turned out in their thousands. Good weather, good food and plenty of stalls to browse and buy from. The entertainment was fantastic whether on the river or in the tent.
“As I keep saying our unique selling point is that we are free to enter. It certainly creates our atmosphere, which I sum up with three Fs: fun, family, free.”
The festival, which was held on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd September, included artisan foods, craft ales, ciders, spirits and other drinks available from local suppliers, plus stalls from many local community and charity groups and local entrepreneurs and start-up businesses.
The much-loved boat trip was back, taking festival-goers on a scenic ride of the River Avon, whilst others got involved with paddleboarding taster-sessions, a paddleboarding race, canoeing demonstrations, plus a demonstration from the Wiltshire Search and Rescue team and a zip wire challenge across the river.
There was live entertainment from bands such as local indie band, The Sunnies, and community choirs plus a belly dancing display, fairground rides, a magician and unicycling fire-eating juggler.
On the Sunday, Jax Brady was crowned winner of the town council’s town crier competition and takes on the role of Melksham Town Crier.
Following the event, a resident who attended the festival said, “It was fantastic community event that drew people from all corners of Melksham. Hats off to Adrienne Westbrook for organising such a brilliant event. Food from the Tibetan Kitchen was fantastic, there was something for everyone. The activities on offer were wonderful and the boat ride in particular was a highlight.
“We are really looking forward to next year’s festival!”
