THOUSANDS of visitors descended on Northwich for a much-loved annual event.
The Rotary's River Festival made a triumphant return on Saturday (July 20), as dragon boats raced down the Weaver and 2,000 rubber ducks bobbed along the Dane.
This year’s festival proved to be just as popular as ever, with 16 dragon boat teams entering the race and raising money for good causes.
Emerging victorious were the teams from Visit Northwich, who claimed both first and second place, closely followed in third place by Mid Cheshire Stand Up Paddle.
Elizabeth Walton, president of Northwich Rotary Club, said “I am very proud to be the president of Northwich Rotary Club and this was my first major event in my rotary year.
“I would like to give my personal thanks to all the volunteers, partners and contributors, who made this such a successful day.”
The Visit Northwich team finished 1st and 2nd in the dragon boat race (Image: Visit Northwich)
Sponsored by Virgin Media, the Northwich River Festival was organised by the Rotary Club with support from the town council, Northwich Business Improvement District, the Canal and River Trust and local businesses, with other local Rotary clubs providing much-needed volunteering support.
During the gaps between races, crowds were kept entertained by pirates from the Liverpool Brethren and water rescue demonstrations by Mid Cheshire Search and Rescue.
Meanwhile, all 2,000 of the rubber ducks have been returned home safe and sound, including the top three – numbers 812, 90 and 1361.
Thousands of people flocked to Barons Quay for the festival (Image: Karl Brooks Photography)
Among the thousands in attendance was Mid Cheshire’s new MP, Andrew Cooper.
He said: “Northwich's events programme continues to deliver with another fantastic River Festival.
“It was fantastic to see hundreds of people watching the dragon boat racing, checking out the stalls, and packing the town centre.
“Huge thanks go to Rotary in Northwich, ably supported by Visit Northwich for organising and delivering the event, and well done to everyone who took part in the race.”
Organisers have already confirmed Northwich River Festival will return in July 2025.
The winning team from 2024 – Visit Northwich – will be taking to the Weaver once more as they look to make it two years in a row.
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