A NEW race is being introduced on the River Weaver as a popular festival returns for 2022.
In the first Northwich River Festival since the Covid pandemic began, teams are being invited to enter the Puddle Ducks Pedalo Challenge.
Taking place over the weekend of July 9 and July 10, the new pedalo race, on the Sunday, will follow Saturday's ever-popular Dragon Boat Challenge.
Sponsored by Puddle Ducks Swim Academy, based in Barons Quay, this fun activity is aimed at smaller groups such as small businesses, families, and friends.
Rotarian Jim Mole, who is overseeing this part of the event, said: "We realised that not everyone is able to raise a team large enough for the Dragon Boat racing, so we decided to offer this as an alternative.
"I think it’s going to be great fun, and I urge teams to get their applications in as soon as possible."
The pedalo races will feature heats between the teams, which can consist of two to four crew members (two peddling and two using the supplied paddles), as they navigate a circular course on the River Weaver next to the ODEON cinema.
The ultimate winners will be decided in a grand final between the top three teams.
Entry is £10 per team, but teams will be asked to seek sponsors, with everything raised going to the festival’s nominated charities; Down Syndrome Cheshire and the Cheshire West and Chester branch of The National Autistic Society, as well as the other great causes supported by Rotary in Northwich.
Northwich River Festival has become a firm favourite in the town’s event calendar, and as well as the racing, there is much to entertain visitors of all ages across the weekend.
Organising committee chairman John Walton said: "I am both amazed and delighted at how the festival has captured the hearts of people – not just from Northwich, but from much further afield.
"I thank all those who give their time and work so hard to make the event the success that it is."
For those who want to take part in the Dragon Boat Racing without a full team, you can apply to be part of a 'Scratch' Team, thanks to Northwich Town Council and The Business Improvement District.
For visitors who want to take a more leisurely view of the river, Wirral Community Narrowboat Trust will be offering trips on its wheelchair-accessible vessel, 'Over The Rainbow', whilst Mid Cheshire Stand-Up Paddleboarders will be in attendance to offer tasted sessions.
The Canal and River Trust will also have a presence, offering canoeing and fishing tasters.
On dry land, attractions include food, drink, trade, and charity stalls all weekend, as well as the Saturday Artisan Market.
Plus, there will be a children’s fairground, displays, street theatre and circus performers, with Radio Northwich providing summer tunes to keep the feel-good atmosphere flowing.
The more musical visitor should look out the Rotary in Northwich Community Piano, which will be sited near to Wildwood Restaurant.
The event will draw to a close later on Sunday afternoon with the famous ducks on the Dane Charity Duck Race.
Northwich River Festival is organised by Rotary in Northwich and Rotaract volunteers, with the support of its sponsors, and The Canal and River Trust, Barons Quay, Northwich Town Council, Radio Northwich, The River Weaver Navigation Society, Northwich BID and Cheshire West and Chester Council.
For more details, to enter a team, book a stall, advertise or to buy Duck Race tickets, visit northwichriverfestival.org.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here