Town gearing up to host first raft building and racing festival

WINSFORD will host its first-ever raft racing festival.

The town council has announced it will stage the inaugural Winsford Water Festival later this month.

Teams will be invited to build their own vessels before racing them down the Weaver.

The mayor of Winsford, councillor Wayne Fletcher, said: “This is an event that was suggested by members of the public and we have been able to make it happen.

“I'm so happy that Winsford Town Council is able to make a raft race happen which will include both youths and adults, and invite businesses, charities, and groups to get involved.

“I'm hoping it will be a fun-filled family day and lots will come down to see the activity in its first year.”

The first Water Festival takes place on Saturday (July 27).

Members of the public are invited to gather their friends and family to form teams of between two and four people.

The teams will be tasked with constructing their own rafts, which will then be put to the test in friendly races along the Weaver.

The first session, for participants aged 13 to 18, gets underway at 12.15pm ahead of the adults event at 2pm.

Away from the racing, visitors will be able to enjoy live music as well as various stalls, bars and food stands.

To find out more or enter a team, visit www.winsford.gov.uk/events/winsford-water-festival/ or call 01606 593582.