River Severn festival is sure to float your boat

The three-day Severn Boat Festival will be a community event, with entertainment and spectacle providing fun for families as well as boat owners.

Organisers are hoping to attract more than 45,000 people.

"Back in 1999, the Inland Waterways Association put on a show that attracted 38,000 people, without any advertising, promotion or marketing," said sales director Ben Grove of Worcester Events.

"This time we have spent 18 months promoting it and have 200 exhibitors and a wide variety of boats, including canal narrowboats, power boats, river cruisers, ribs and catamarans."

Completely new will be the prototype pedal skit, a flat-bottom rowing boat with pedals in place of oars, to be powered by two people.

"It's perfect for a nice day on the river and very good for your health," said Mr Grove.

Another prototype on show will be the Craigcat, a catamaran on its own trailer, allowing it to be launched almost anywhere.

"We also have a boat that folds to the size of a surf board, so you can put it on the roof of your car.

"You simply pull a cord to inflate it and then you can either row it or attach a motor," he said.

There will be dragon boat racing and kayak demonstrations on the River Severn, but for those not especially interested in boats, there will be many more attractions on Worcester Racecourse.

These include a food and craft marquee, with everything from fine wines to ceramics and antiques, a children's adventure village with bouncy castles and clowns, live music, street entertainers, competitions and car shows.

"We really want to promote the city and bring in a lot of business, so we have even brought in a local restaurant, Ostlers, to provide some high-quality food," said Mr Grove.

"Alongside the usual hamburgers and hot dogs, you will be able to order chargrilled steak ciabattas."

Celebrities appearing at the festival include Worcester-shire cricketers Graham Hick and Shoaib Akhtar.