SEVENTYFIVE boats from all over the country will be taking part in this weekend's Evesham's River Festival.

"Our Festival has earned the reputation of being the best in the country and the programme of activities we have planned on the Avon this weekend will enable us to stay at the top," said Hazel Hanlon, spokesman for the organising committee.

The theme for this year's event is "Winter Wonderland" and at 12.30pm Saturday there will be a parade of the best dressed/theme cruisers and narrowboats. Another of the highlights will start at 10pm with the illuminated boat parade, judged by the mayor of Evesham, Councillor Diana Raphael, followed by a fireworks display from 10.45pm to 11pm.

Between times, there will be entertainment by Old Rope String Band, Topper and Avonbank Brass Band and a pig roast on Workman Gardens, and on the water a boat handling competition and a raft race from Weir Meadow to the Rowing Club.

During the evening, riverboat trips on the Handsam Too will be accompanied by the duo Heartbeat.

Sunday's programme includes a Boaters' Breakfast, tug-of-war, egg contest and fender wanging before the arrival of Councillor John Smith, chairman of Wychavon District Council, to present the prizes, followed by the distribution of Rally Plaques.

The weekend will be rounded off by a brass band concert in Abbey Park at 2.30pm with Gloucester Excelsior Band in the bandstand.

"This is splendid, spectacular and fun-filled free event for the townspeople and visitors," Mrs Hanlon said. "It costs us £5,000 to put it on and so we shall have a bucket collection Saturday evening."