Northwich River Festival returns to delight of crowds

Hundreds of people flocked to the town centre last Saturday (July 15) and lined the Weaver and the Dane in anticipation of the Northwich River Festival.

Despite the weather warnings, the skies remained clear, with all of the action contained on the water as Dragon Boat teams engaged in epic battles on the River Weaver before the traditional duck race concluded proceedings on the River Dane.  

Organised by Rotary in Northwich, the annual River Festival is a highlight on the extensive events programme put together by the Visit Northwich partnership, which is led by Northwich BID and the town council.

Peter Holland, Northwich Rotary Club president, said: "Our fantastic town has an enviable reputation for putting on epic events which is only possible through partnership working.

The Dragon Boat race was a closely contested affair (Image: Karl Brooks Photography)

"We enjoyed a great community day and importantly the River Festival has raised money for local good causes including our nominated charities, The Samaritans and The Cheshire Penguins Swimming Club.

"We have a really great team of individuals and organisations supporting Visit Northwich."

Mermaids and pirates entertained the crowds between races (Image: Karl Brooks Photography)

"I'd particularly like to thank CRS Consultants Ltd., Butcher and Barlow Solicitors and Wildwood for their continued support of Rotary events."

In the Dragon Boat race, a closely contested final saw CRS Consultants Ltd pip the opposition and win the Mighty River Weaver Challenge.

Between the races the crowd was entertained by performances from visiting pirates, mermaids and Cheshire Search and Rescue.

Crowds lined the river at Barons Quay (Image: Karl Brooks Photography)

Then 2,000 yellow plastic ducks were released on the River Dane to race headlong towards the finish line - at least when the wind was blowing in the right direction.

The first three across the finish line won prizes for their ticket holders, who have been notified of their winnings.

Rotary in Northwich volunteers have confirmed all duck have been re-captured and returned to their pens for the 2024 event.

The duck race on the River Dane (Image: Karl Brooks Photography)

Reverend David Harrison, who attended the event, said: "Enjoyed a super day with the children and grandchildren at the River Festival soaking up the sunshine (and the odd shower).

"Well done to Rotary in Northwich and to the many who had clearly worked so very hard to bring so much joy to so many."

For information about this and future Rotary in Northwich events, head online to rotaryinnorthwich.org.uk.

Events coming up include the Piña Colada Festival, Beer Festival, Special Speaker Meetings and FireFest.

The ducks released into the River Dane (Image: David Harrison)