RIVERS FESTIVAL PROMISES TO BE BEST YET (York Liberal Democrats)

York Liberal Democrats <info@yorklibdems.org.uk>

RIVERS FESTIVAL PROMISES TO BE BEST YET

July 15, 2009 12:00 AM

Commenting on the schedule of events that will take place as part of this years' Festival of The Rivers, Liberal Democrat Executive Member for Leisure, Culture and Social Inclusion Nigel Ayre said

"The festival will see a great variety of events that I'm sure will appeal to a range of people. More active residents can take part in the boat races while those feeling less inclined to exert themselves can enjoy the theatre performances and music events."

"The Festival of the Rivers has been very popular in the past and I am sure this year's programme of events will make the festival even more successful."

"We are working hard to put on a wide variety of cultural events in York this summer and the Festival of the Rivers is just one part of what is a very exciting programme."

The festival runs from Saturday 11 to Sunday 26 July. The programme of events for the festival is set out below.

Sunday 12 July 2009 - The Rotary Great York Dragon Boat Challenge, River Ouse (between Scarborough Bridge and Lendal Bridge), between 10.00am and 4.00pm. The event, which is in aid of local charities, sees 36 teams of 16 paddlers fighting for the challenge cup. For more information please contact www.yorkrotary.co.uk/dragonboat

Wednesday 15-17 July 2009 - "Tales by the Rivers" Theatre Performance, Kings Staith aboard Room 58. Performances, which start at 10.00am and 1.00pm, last for 45-minutes. "Tales from the River" will delight and entertain young children as they set sail on a journey of discovery and adventure. The production is in partnership with City of York Council, Fulford School and Riding Lights Theatre. For more information please contact 07785 370595.

"The Music of the River" Performances.

Wednesday 15 July 2009, Melton's Too, 8.30pm. Tickets are £2.00.

Friday 17 July 2009, Aboard the Syntam barge, Kings Staith, 8.00pm. Tickets are £4.00.

Saturday 18 July 2009, Aboard the Syntam barge, Kings Staith, 8.00pm. Tickets are priced £4.00.

All three evenings of live music and poetry, from York writers and musicians, will be intimate and relaxed with insight, humour and melody. All events are hosted by York writer and singer Miles Cain.

Sunday 19 July 2009 - Marygate Raft Race, Marygate Landing, from 12.00noon until 5.00pm. A fundraising race for Jorvik-Afloat who want to bring back the Viking Longboat to the rivers of York. For more information please telephone 01904 541926 or visit www.jorvik-afloat.co.uk

Saturday 25 July 2009 - York River Festival Canoe Races. Start from Millennium Bridge, Rowntree Park side, 2.00pm until 5.00pm (Registration 12.00noon to 1.45pm with prize giving at 3.45pm.) Enjoy the riverside races over three distances; short - 2500m, medium - 5000m and long - 7500m. Racing canoes and "fast" paddlers expected to do the 7500m. For more information please contact philpuckrin@freenet.co.uk or telephone 01904 654302.