WITH just over a week to go, excitement is building for one of the highlights of Melksham’s events calendar, the Food & River Festival, on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th September, 10.30am-4.00pm.
The King George V playing field and the River Avon will once again host the festival, which takes place over the whole weekend and organisers are expecting it to be bigger and better than last year.
The focus of the festival is on the River Avon with boat rides, raft rides and canoeing throughout the weekend.
A raft race is brand new for 2016 and will take place on the Saturday. The event sees teams launch and race a raft they have designed and built themselves, trying to keep afloat and keep all crew onboard!
Brian De’ath, a Wilts & Berks Canal Trust volunteer said, “Already several teams have entered, but there’s still time if any groups would like to get involved. Pubs, clubs, businesses, colleagues or other community groups are very welcome to race in what is a fantastic and entertaining team challenge.”
On both the Saturday and Sunday, Wilts & Berks Canal Trust will be running a boat trip on board the Wheelyboat which is wheelchair-friendly.
Also on the Saturday there will be a diving demonstration, a rescue demonstration from the fire brigade and the famous boat flotilla.
On the Sunday, over 70 stalls will fill the King George V playing field with 40 of these being food and drink stalls; pickles and jams, sausages and paella, sweet and churros – and lots more. Plus to keep you hydrated, there will also be a range of beers available from two local breweries, handcrafted ciders and a Pimm’s tent.
Also on the Sunday, courageous competitors test their taste buds in what has become one of the highlights of the festival, the chilli eating contest.
Adrienne Westbrook, chair of the organising committee said, “The chilli eating competition always attracts a big crowd. Past winners have included Chippenham’s Member of Parliament, Michelle Donelan. She was one of three winners in 2013, and the experience may have helped her prepare for the fierce heat and competition in the House of Commons! Thanks again to the Wiltshire Chilli Farm who supply the chillies.”
Something for everyone at the festival is planned, with free entertainment from local musicians, activities for children including a bouncy castle, face painting and rides on Frankie the Horse.
Adrienne continues, “This year’s festival promises to be even bigger and better than before! The Melksham Food & River Festival has become one of the ‘must do’ events of the year, and we are looking forward to welcoming even more visitors in 2016 to the King George V Playing Field.
“We would like to thank Waitrose very much for their continuing support for this very exciting event in the Melksham calendar. We have put in an order for a fine, sunny weekend, and we are looking forward to another fantastic community event!”
