NORTHWICH River Festival is getting ready for its 2018 return with a new and improved calendar of events.

Home-built raft racing – complete with fancy dress – and two open air concerts have been added to the programme for the return of the popular celebration, on July 14 and 15.

In addition to the hugely popular Dragon Boat racing, the new events will all be based around Barons Quay.

Chairman of the Northwich River Festival, John Walton, said: "The NRF2018 is a Northwich Rotary Club-led event in conjunction with our partners.

"It is a community event for the people of Northwich and the surrounding areas. There is no charge to come down and watch the daytime events.

"Building on the success of last year the Raft Races and Concerts are new innovations for 2018 and a lot of work is going on to make the whole weekend a great success.

"Any monies raised over the weekend will split between the Alzheimer’s Society, the RNLI and Northwich Rotary Charities."

Saturday will see the return of the Dragon Boat racing, ahead of a 'Party in the Park' at River Park featuring ABBA NOW and Heart and Soul.

On Sunday, the home-built rafts will take to the water with teams of six, racing between Town Bridge and Barons Quay.

That evening, Proms in the Park – also at River Park – will feature Vale Royal Youth Orchestra, as well as Welsh soprano Rhian-Carys Jones.

The open-air concerts are ticketed and will go ahead whatever the weather. Children are welcome, as are fold-up chairs and picnics although food and drink will be available.

Doors will open at 6.30pm, and the concerts will finish at 10pm.

Full details of directions, tickets prices, entry information for the raft races and everything else over the two-day festival can be found online at northwichriverfestival.org.uk