This year’s Food and River Festival will take place on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd September and new this year is a paddleboard race over a 100m (approx.) course.
This fun event with a competitive edge is open to men and women in separate categories, aged 18 plus and will take place on Saturday 2nd September. Paddleboards and paddles will be provided.
The race is limited to 32 competitors, who will be split into four mixed heats. The winners of each category from each heat will progress to the semi-finals. The same criteria will establish the line up for the final which will consist of two male and two female competitors.
If you fancy taking up the challenge you can find full details, including the rules and entry form, on the festival website, www.melkshamfoodandriverfestival.co.uk. Go to the On the River page and follow the links to the paddleboard race. The entry fee is £5 per head. Please note that your entry will only be confirmed once the festival has received your payment.
There are prizes for winners and runners-up. The winners in each category will receive a voucher for two people (you and a friend or partner) to have a dedicated 2.5hr tuition session with Paddleboard Batheaston. The runners-up in each category will receive a voucher for two people to have a dedicated 1.5hr tuition session.
Paddleboard Batheaston run sessions for everyone, from new paddleboarders to experienced paddleboarders, who wish to develop their skills and techniques. You choose the one that matches your requirements.
This event is run by WOLT, working with Paddleboard Batheaston and sponsored by Foxhanger Boats. See www.paddleboardbatheaston.co.uk for more information.
There are also all the usual favourites available throughout the weekend including displays by the Wiltshire Youth Canoe Club and paddleboarding taster sessions provided by Wiltshire Outdoor Learning Team.
Boat trips will also be available, provided by the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust on Saturday and Sunday, bookable on the festival days. And on Sunday, there is a rescue display by Wiltshire Search and Rescue (subject to operational demands).
Times for all activities can be found on the website.
Boat Charter
You can charter The Mary Archard, a wheelchair accessible boat, which holds up to eight passengers (wheelchairs count as two passengers). Four charters are available on Friday 1st September. Full details can be found on the festival website; click on the On the River page and follow the links for the charters.
