NORTHWICH River Festival made a splash at the weekend as it returned for a second – bigger and better – year.

The two-day event across Saturday and Sunday, July 14 and 15, saw dozens of events take place at Barons Quay.

As well as a repeat of last year’s highlight – Dragon Boat Racing between Town Bridge and Barons Quay – the weekend also featured homemade raft races, night-time concerts at River Park, and the Ducks on The Dane race.

Visitors also had a chance to enjoy gentle narrowboat cruises, while Mid Cheshire Stand-up Paddlers (SUP) took to the water.

Complemented by the Artisan Market in the town centre, as well as children’s amusements and street theatre including The Liverpool Pirate Brethren, the event drew in thousands to bask in the scorching Northwich sunshine.

The event was organised by volunteers from Northwich Rotary Club, with support from The Canal and River Trust, Barons Quay, Northwich Town Council, Northwich BID and Cheshire West and Chester Council.

Funds were raised for The Alzheimer’s Society, The Royal National Lifeboat Institution and other Rotary causes.