Festival of the Rivers

09 - 24 July 2011
City of York Council’s sixth Festival of the Rivers launches in York on Saturday 9 July and will run until Sunday 24 July.

The Festival promises to provide family friendly events on and around the beautiful Rivers of York, and provided the opportunity to dance the night away in Rowntree Park, experience the spirit of the ‘guinguette’ in Tower Gardens, cheer on the crews of the Draggon Boats, go back in time with walks, talks and a visit to the Syntan Barge, attend music and poetry events on a River Barge, or take a lazy cruise up the River.

The Festival will see the Riverbanks around Kings Staith come to life with a variety of entertainment each weekend. Visit the artists, listen to the stories, partake in some pavement drawing or visit the Magic Hatter’s Tea Party and enjoy some of Dickenson’s tea and cakes. Relax with a meal on Kings Staith or have a go at canoeing on Marygate Landing, listen to a preview of the new Musical ‘Armada’ which is being premiered in York at the end of July or watch the re-enactments by the actors from the Dungeons.

A visit to the Arts Barge which will be positioned on the Bonding Warehouse Landing offering two weeks of activities and performances will be a must.

From Shakespeare to a Quiz Night, a Cardboard Boat Race to a Junior Fishing Competition, the Just 30 Fair to a Ping Pong experience - this year’s Festival has something for everyone.

Councillor Sonja Crisp, Cabinet member for Leisure, Culture and Social Inclusion, City of York Council, said: “The ever-popular Festival of the Rivers is one of York’s iconic summer events, and one which residents and visitors can enjoy. I’m delighted that this year’s event will be bigger and better than ever, with new additions running alongside favourites like the Dragon Boat Race. The festival gives us the perfect opportunity to celebrate some of the things that make this city so special.”

For more information on the festival, visit yorkfestivals.com