DELIGHTED organisers said a festival which brought the community together through a "river of dreams" on land and water was incredibly successful. 

The annual Pershore River Festival saw thousands visit King Georges Field on Saturday, July 20 for the fun family day out. 

The event is organised by Pershore Riverside Centre and is the charity's main fundraiser. 

Abi Keehan, centre manager at Pershore Riverside Centre, said: "It was brilliant. We had a great turnout and we got lucky with the weather. 

"It was a bit mucky but it wasn't wet until the afternoon and the event was busy and bustling the whole day. 

"We had sumo wrestling, a bouncy castle, live music, food and trade stalls, and much more."

The event was captured by a grant-funded artist who drew the event and wrote down quotes from visitors which will later be merged with pictures. 

Mrs Keehan continued: "It was a really really great chance to see a diverse age range of the Pershore community in one place. 

"It was a great day out and thousands of people came out. 

"It was a complete transformation from last year's washout. 

"Like most events, turnout is dictated by the weather and this year was thankfully the complete opposite of last year. 

"It was a beautiful, vibrant and sunny day and everyone turned up."

This year's river festival had a River of Dreams theme and visitors could enjoy a fun fair, inflatables, a mobile escape room, and pony rides.

Mrs Keehan said: "It went better than expected and we will definitely be doing another one next year. 

"You are always a bit apprehensive due to the weather but thankfully it played ball. 

"We have had really great feedback from everyone who dropped in and our café was so busy that it even set a record for the most customers served. 

"This year we had a lot more focus on the music and we hope to continue that next year. 

"All of the activities on the water were well received and well managed.

"It was great on water and on land. 

"The event tries to focus the Pershore community on our great asset and what a great asset it is to have on our front doorstep."