AN ANNUAL festival in Evesham is making its return in less than a month and huge crowds are expected to attend. 

The Evesham River Festival will be taking place over the second weekend of July with boats arriving on the Friday. 

The event will be held on Workman Gardens in Evesham and along the River Avon. 

There will be a raft race, firework show, live music, a fete and much more according to organisers. 

(Image: Adrian Mayhew)

Adrian Mayhew, safety officer at The Battle of Evesham, said: "The Evesham River Festival is one of the oldest river festivals and it's been going on for decades and brings a lot of people to Evesham and the river. 

"There's lots to show, the local flood rescue team will be there, there will be a firework show and a raft race event. 

"The big message for us is river safety and making sure that everyone is enjoying the water safely.

"There will be live music and a bar, on the Saturday (July 13) evening we will have the fireworks show."

(Image: Adrian Mayhew)

Around 60 boats have already been confirmed to attend the event that starts in just under a month.

Mr Mayhew continued: "Over the past few years we have had between 5,000 and 10,000 people attend. 

"Last year we were a bit unlucky because the weather was horrible, however, we still had quite a lot of people turn out.

"Covid had a massive impact on the festival but we are almost getting the same numbers as before now. 

"We always see a great turnout in the evening. 

"Every year we have a different theme, we have had Disney, story books and around the world to name a few. 

"This year the theme is pubs and boats will be marked and judged for the best dressed."

(Image: Adrian Mayhew)

John Clatworthy, deputy mayor of Evesham, said: "I like all the events that are put on in Evesham as they really bring the community together. 

"I've been in and around Evesham for the last 40-odd years and I've never seen a bad one. 

"All events since May have all been blessed with incredible weather and they have been superbly supported by the community. 

"I think the river festival will also be really well supported and I hope that if there is any bad weather it won't deter people from coming out."