TOWNSFOLK are being urged to get involved as Northwich prepares to push the boat out to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the Olympic Games.

Northwich’s riverside will come to life with visiting boats and non-stop activity during the River Weaver Festival of June 22 to 24.

But an appeal has gone out to residents to welcome the event with gusto and join in the fun.

John Hulme, festival spokesman, said: “On Sunday, June 3, most of the nation will be watching thousands of boats on the River Thames as Her Majesty The Queen leads the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant.

“Northwich’s greatest asset is its river and waterfront so later in the month the Northwich River Festival will be a major part of Northwich’s celebration of the Queen’s Jubilee year.

“With the Olympics a month later we are now calling out to local sporting organisations to encourage them to get involved with the festival weekend.

“We want the festival to be more than a boat rally and while we cannot match up to London’s massive budgets, we can compete with enthusiasm.”

The event is being organised by the River Weaver Navigation Society, the Broken Cross Boat Club and the Inland Waterways Association – Chester and District Branch.

Cheshire West and Chester Council, Northwich Town Council and British Waterways are backing the festival and Development of the Arts in Northwich is also a partner.

Roberts Bakery is one of the lead sponsors and their brass band will provide a rousing reception at the festival’s launch.

John Tackley, festival chairman, said: “We are very keen for this festival to celebrate Northwich and its heritage so we are asking other organisations to get involved.

“We are expecting thousands of visitors and the festival will be for the whole town and not just for boaters.”

Anyone who can help should email festival@rwns.co.uk.