THERE are only a few days left until the Melksham Food & River Festival is in full swing, on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd September.
The free festival will take place at the King George V Park and will open at 10.30am on both days. Festival-goers can enjoy an exciting selection of local food and drink stalls and a range of activities and entertainment.
Artisan foods, craft ales, ciders, spirits and other drinks will be available from local suppliers plus stalls from many local community and charity groups and local entrepreneurs and start-up businesses.
There will be boat trips on the river, canoeing displays, paddleboard taster sessions, a paddleboard race and demonstrations from the Wiltshire Search and Rescue team, plus a zip wire challenge across the river.
Entertainment will include live music from local bands and choirs, a belly dancing display, fairground rides and a town crier competition.
On Saturday, there will be three shows from Arthur Plumb, a unicycling fire-eating juggler and on Sunday, three shows from top Bath magician, Grant Maidment.
Organiser Adrienne Westbrook said, “The committee love bringing the festival to Melksham and it is always so good when you hear people saying, ‘oh it’s the Food and River Festival soon, we love that event.’
“This free event is a highlight of the end of summer in Melksham. Let’s hope for dry weather and lots of people joining us for a relaxed family event.”
The brewers Ramsbury Brewing & Distilling are new at the festival this year, while the Cricketer’s Café, will be selling a range of food as well as being the main ice cream seller.
The Riverside Centre will also be open on the day, where the team will welcome people in for activities, refreshments and live music.
Chairman of the centre, Chris Pickett said, “During your walk to the festival the newly refurbished Riverside Centre will be open for you to see inside. There will be the opportunity to have a cup of tea or coffee with homemade cakes or biscuits while the children can take part in a small quiz and/or art and craft competition.
“Music will welcome you from the Melksham Ukulele Social Club and help you get in the mood to then wander up into King George V playing fields, where a myriad of stall will be there to excite your palate, with both food and drink.
“The weekend will be memorable, so please invite friends and family to join you. Thank you to the committee of people who have put this festival on for us, the residents of Melksham.”
At the festival, Melksham Town Council will also be hosting their competition to search for Melksham’s next Town Crier on the Sunday and the winners of the Melksham in Bloom competition will be also be announced.
There will be free parking in the Cooper Tires car park. For more information visit, www.melkshamfoodandriverfestival.co.uk for up-to-date information, or email info@melkshshamfoodandriverfestival.co.uk for more details or visit and like the Facebook page.
