One of the largest inland boat shows the country has ever seen is to be held on the banks of the River Severn at Worcester Racecourse later this summer.
One of the largest inland boat shows the country has ever seen is to be held on the banks of the River Severn at Worcester Racecourse later this summer. The Severn Boat Festival will take place between Friday July 29th and Sunday 31st, offering both serious boating enthusiasts and families alike, the perfect place to drop anchor.
Worcester was recognised as an ideal venue back in 1999, when the Inland Waterways Association National Festival graced the banks of the river during the August bank holiday. Thousands of visitors enjoyed a weekend which combined serious boating and trade activities with family fun and events.
Chris Carless of Worcester Events Ltd has seized the chance to organise this fabulous event again and has set out to ensure that it will be even bigger and better than the 1999 festival and involve some of Worcestershire’s finest attractions. “Our mission is to promote the River Severn, its facilities and the beauty of Worcester itself” said Chris.
Along the banks of the River Severn, there will be a wide range of boats and marine accessories on display, together with companies providing advice for would-be boaters. On Saturday the Upton Warren Sailing Club will be giving sailing demonstrations on the River Severn and this is your chance to have-a-go and sailing and kayaking. On Sunday, the 2005 Severn Boat Festival Dragon Boat Challenge will take place, with over 20 local teams involved.
On all three days there will be hot air balloons ascending early morning and evening; Terry Darlington will be talking about his recent adventure which involved sailing his canal narrrowboat down to the Mediterranean and he will be signing copies of his book ‘Narrow Dog to Carcassonne’; a range of bands and entertainers will be providing musical and theatrical shows to delight both the young and old; for the children a visit to the adventure village will be a ‘must’ and finally, but most importantly, a variety of mouth-watering food and thirst-quenching beverages will be available – everything from a pig roast to a Champagne/Pimms bar.
This year’s spectacular three-day festival is expected to attract over 45,000 visitors. With over 200 boat builders, food and boating equipment and memorabilia stalls, a full entertainment programme, children’s adventure village, and river-based activities, there is something for everyone. So whether you are a serious boating enthusiast, a would-be boater or simply looking for a fun family day out, then we think that you will find it all at this year’s festival.
For more information and tickets, visit www.severnboatfestival.co.uk or contact Worcester Events Ltd, 17 Farrier Street, Worcester. Tel: 01905 28547.
