A POPULAR river festival is returning to Northwich in 2022 after an enforced two-year hiatus due to the Covid pandemic.
After frustrating cancellations in 2020 and 2021, the Northwich River Festival will return to the town this summer.
Since its inception, in its current form, in 2017, the festival has grown to become one of the premier events on Northwich’s calendar, attracting tens of thousands of visitors over the weekend and raising thousands of pounds for great causes.
Organised by the Northwich Rotary Club, the event will take place over the weekend of July 9 and 10, featuring the popular dragon boat racing and duck race as well as new activities.
Chair of the organising committee, John Walton, said: “It’s been very frustrating over the past two years, because each time we started to plan things, everything got cancelled.
"This year, we have a much higher confidence that our efforts will not be vain.
“Not only has it been difficult for all those involved, but it has meant that all the charities and great causes that would have benefitted from the money raised by the event have lost out on much-needed funds.
"We hope that this year will attract even greater numbers to get involved – both in the dragon boat races, the duck race, and all the other exciting things we have planned – but also larger crowds to spectate and show their generosity through larger donations."
In-coming Rotary club president, Martin Fallon, added: “It is especially important this year that the event is a success, as 2022 marks the beginning of the 100th anniversary of Northwich Rotary Club, which is a remarkable achievement in its own right.
"During those 100 years, the club has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for all sorts of causes.
“Not only that, one of the nominated charities, the National Autistic Society, is marking its 60th anniversary – so it’s a double celebration.
"We are also supporting Down Syndrome Cheshire as the other nominated charity, but many other causes will benefit through the support of team entries and donations."
Entry for the dragon boat races is now open, and duck race tickets will be available at various events in the run-up to the weekend.
For more information, visit: northwichriverfestival.org.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here