A POPULAR river festival could be re-floated in Northwich next summer.

A boat parade, canoe racing, duck racing and a tug of war are just some of the ideas for the event, which were presented to Northwich Town Council at its December meeting.

If supported the River Weaver Festival 2016 would take place on the weekend of August 13 and 14.

John Walton, chairman of the organising committee, said: "The aims of the festival are primarily to generate interest in our unique river, promote the new waterside businesses and to develop Northwich as a tourist town."

The committee is made up of members of the Rotary Club of Northwich, the River Weaver Navigation Society and the Inland Waterways Association, who have worked with Winsford Town Council on Winsford Regatta for the past two years.

Members stressed that plans for Northwich's River Weaver Festival were in their concept stages but could also include an evening musical or theatrical concert and a fireworks display or light show.

The main festival area would be between Town Bridge and Hayhurst Bridge, which has been transformed in the Hayhurst Quay regeneration scheme.

Cllr Sam Naylor, from Northwich Town Council, said: "I think it's a fantastic idea.

"I thought it was successful when you did it in 2012.

"Obviously with thinks that have taken place it's not been practical to do it in the past couple of years but that location has superb potential."

Cllr Derek Bowden, also from Northwich Town Council, said: "It's a tremendous idea and thank you for having the initiative and vision to take it up."

The committee asked the council for support to put the festival on and the council agreed to discuss it further at a future meeting.