MORE than 6,000 people enjoyed the sunshine at the Melksham Food and River Festival over the weekend.

The weather stayed fine as residents and visitors poured into King George V playing field to enjoy good food and drink, plus a host of activities on and off the River Avon.

Festival coordinator Adrienne Westwood said she was "absolutely delighted" with the success of this year's event.

"It's amazing, absolutely unbelievable," she gushed. "We knew that the people of Melksham wanted a festival this year but I could not imagine in my wildest dreams how successful it has been.

"It has been hard work to make the event Covid-safe but it has been so enjoyable.

"We had three stallholders and one entertainer pull out at the last minute because of Covid but we've had around 4,000-6,000 people visit today.

"The traders who have been here have been working their socks off and there have been queues at all the food and drink stalls."

Fred Imrie and his wife Carolynne, together with their friend Sandra Redman, were enjoying the live music.

"We come here every year," said Carolynne, of Devonshire Place, Melksham. "We just like it and have seen people we have not seen since Covid began."

Mervyn and Jackie Middleton, of Woodcombe, Melksham, were watching the Rock n' Roll demonstration.

"It's just a nice day out," said Mervyn, "especially when the weather is kind to us, like today."

The Rivermead Mermaids, led by team captain Karen Austin, won the Foxhangers Raft Race, while the Berks & Wilts Canal Trust was "fully booked" for its Mary Archard boat trips.

Chris Eley, of the Wiltshire Youth Canoeing Club in Melksham, said they had registered 37 people on Saturday for beginners sessions and had started a waiting list.

"We will be organising some taster sessions for the people on the waiting list", she said.