There will be an illuminated boat cavalcade on Saturday 22nd just after sunset

The Somerset River Festival has fast become a top annual attraction celebrating one of Somerset’s greatest natural assets, water, its rivers and waterways. The River Festival 2007 is situated on the banks of the River Tone in the heart of Taunton town centre.

Over the past 4 years the festival has seen over 18,000 visitors, 112 river craft on the water, nearly 200 exhibits, displays and demonstrations from associated organisations plus live music, art and craft workshops, fishing, boat trips, walks and links to the history of the waterways as well as being as fun day out for all the family.

September 2007 will see the river come alive once again with various craft.

Live music including The Wurzels and the Blackdown Samba Group are just some of the acts on the programme.

For further details contact Caroline Dunn on cdunn@somerset.gov.uk or telephone 01458 251694

Boat Enquiries

The River Festival will be held from 10am to 5pm on Sunday 23 September and boats are welcome from 2pm on Friday 21 September. There will be nearby fresh water points, toilets, and overnight security each evening from 6pm until 9am until the morning of Monday 24 September.

Boating activities on the Festival day will include a Boat Parade, a boat handling competition, a Best Decorated Boat competition, a duck race as well as boat trips and a water taxi will be running throughout the weekend. An illuminated boat cavalcade will take place just after sunset on Saturday 22nd September. All boats are encouraged to enter these events.

Full details and maps of the slipway location, parking facilities, trailer storage, cruising area, mooring and events programme will be included in a ‘Boaters Information Pack’ which will be sent to all entrants.

Every effort will be made to meet your individual requirements. The Harbour Master will be in attendance from 2pm on Friday 21 September. For further information and details please call the Harbour Master on 01460 241302 or e-mail: keithduffield@onetel.com or Deputy Harbour Master on 01823 442654 or e-mail: peterandjanetcoles@gmail.com.