ORGANISERS of a river festival hope to make a big splash this year by turning the Avon into the 'river of dreams'.

Pershore River Festival is making its return for the second time after covid on Saturday, July 20, with hopes of it being bigger and better than ever before. 

The festival is the biggest fundraising event of the year for the Pershore Riverside Centre, a charity that works with young people in the town. 

There will be live music, a fun fair, pony rides and trade stalls as well as much more on King Georges Field from 10am to 4pm. 

Abi Keehan, centre manager at Pershore Riverside Centre, said: "We are all really excited for the River Festival this year.

"A lot of effort has gone into organising a fun day out for all. 

"The event will kick off with a bell boat ball which is open to everyone, we will also have a fun fair, inflatables, a mobile escape room, pony rides, lots of food and trade stalls. 

"We will also have four performance areas with an array of entertainers such as Drum Love, The Lizards and The Banderos. 

"It's shaping up to be quite an event, after our relaunch from covid we are hoping to amp it up this year."

There will be a craft fair inside the centre as well as a SEND café. 

The café is run by the centre's SEND team which gives young people valuable work experience.

Mrs Keehan continued: "The event is a celebration of the River Avon with music, food and activities for all.

"Last year when we relaunched the festival it was bit quiet so this year we are hoping for a bigger turnout. 

"This year's theme is 'River of Dreams', which I guess is quite interpretive, but the main goal is to bring attention to the River Avon, to bring more focus on the water and to show how the community can engage more with the water.

"The River Festival is the main fundraiser for the Pershore Riverside Centre and all the profits will go directly towards helping local young people to increase their personal capabilities, gain confidence, raise expectations and improve their life prospects."

The Evesham River Festival will also be happening on the weekend before.

Pershore town mayor Richard Grantham and town crier will both be attending.