MELKSHAM Food and River Festival returns this weekend, offering two days packed full of activities, entertainment, delicious food and drink and over 80 stalls for the community to enjoy.
Held at King George V Park from Saturday 31st August to Sunday 1st September, the annual festival is now in its ninth year and boasts a line-up of fun activities on and off the river, as well as culinary and crafty delights from local vendors.
Festival-goers can take part in boat trips on the River Avon, paddleboarding, watch demonstrations from Wiltshire Youth Canoe Club and have a go at kayaking. There will also be a demonstration from Wiltshire Search and Rescue.
Over 80 stalls will be providing hot food and drink, artisan foods, craft ales, ciders, spirts and local crafts. There will also be a chance for children to meet their heroes from Paw Patrol on Saturday 31st August and experience a Dino Invasion, where prehistoric beasts will roam the festival showground on the Sunday.
A stellar line-up of entertainment is guaranteed to bring a buzz to the festival site, with performances by a variety of dance groups, including Bell’s Angels and Dancing Flavours, Dance Roots Africa, plus live music from Kris Nock Big Band, a 20-piece band performing in Melksham for the first time, Steeple Rocks Choir and local indie band, The Sunnies, with support from Dani Cave.
There is also the opportunity to have a free ukelele taster session at the Riverside Centre on the Saturday from 10am to 1pm. Drinks and cakes will also be available.
Round-off the weekend with music from Sloe Jam Folk Group, Dance Roots Africa and the ever-popular Decibelles.
Melksham Town Council will also be hosting a competition on Sunday, to find the next town crier, following the resignation of Jax Brady, who was appointed after winning the competition at last year’s festival.
The winners of the recent Melksham Gardens Competition will be presented with their awards by Melksham Town Council.
Organiser Adrienne Westbrook said, “Don’t miss out on the excitement! Gather your family and friends and join us for a weekend of not only free entertainment but delectable food and delightful drinks from our fantastic vendors! See you there!”
The festival will be opened on both days by the town crier at 10.55am.
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