THOUSANDS will be cruising into town for the annual Stratford River Festival.
The free two day event will see hundreds of colourful river and canal boats mooring up on the Avon for lots of fun and games on the Recreation Ground on July 4 and 5.
Some 70,000 people are expected to descend on the town for a weekend of music, food, stalls and more, including the now traditional Illuminated Boat Parade on the Saturday night followed by fireworks at 10.30pm with a ‘stars and stripes’ theme as the festival coincides with American Independence Day.
Organisers are encouraging those attending the festivities on the Saturday night to come in fancy dress to add to the party atmosphere.
Among the musical highlights will be award-winning singer–songwriter Kristy Gallacher.
The Coventry musician shot to fame after winning the prestigious LG Arena’s singer/songwriter contest., and has since shared stages with the likes Ed Sheeran and Glenn Tilbrook of Squeeze fame.
Event Manager Ruth Wood said: “The River Festival is already Stratford’s biggest and best free party but we wanted to add even more colour to the event. Pirates, fairies, super – heroes, 70s funksters will all be welcome. There will be prizes for the best.”
The Festival runs from 10am on Saturday until 8pm the following day
Visit www.stratfordriverfestival.co.uk for further details.
* SHAKESPEARE Lions will be looking out for people’s health at the River Festival.
The charity has teamed up with Lloyds Pharmacy and is offering diabetes testing over the weekend.
As well as learning more about the condition, visitors to the gazebo can have a private screening between 11am and 3pm on both days of the festival.
Visit www.shakespearelionsclub.org.uk for further information.
