MORE than 40 stallholders have already booked in for this year's Melksham Food and River Festival in September.

The popular festival - which attracts more than 3,000 visitors - was cancelled last year because of the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns.

Adrianne Westbrook, chairwoman of the Festival organising committee, said: "Following discussion with town council officers, work is now progressing to enable the 2021 Melksham Food and River Festival to proceed.

"We are delighted to announce that once again Leekes will be our major festival sponsor this year."

Mrs Westbrook, a former mayor of Melksham, thanked the company for supporting the festival again this year despite the uncertainties of the pandemic.

The two-day festival takes place in the King George V Park over the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, September 4 and 5.

Mrs Westbrook said: “We are planning on the basis that the festival will go ahead this year – unless government orders yet another lock-down.

"Local people are already looking forward to the festival. We are already getting a lot of enthusiasm and questions from the public. We are pleased to be able to keep the festival still free for people to attend.”

"We are grateful to the town and parish councils, who both have agreed that we can carry forward the 2020 grant they gave us.

"There is also a lot of optimistic but cautious interest from both from stall-holders and activity providers.

"We aim to provide our full range of the field and river activities that have been so popular over recent years, plus some new activities for people to enjoy - so boat trips, zip wires, raft race and canoe demonstrations as well as cooking demonstrations, live music and funfair will enhance the atmosphere at the beautiful King George V venue.

"We also look forward to welcoming visiting boat owners with trailable boats. We already have nearly 40 stalls booked for the event and are taking bookings via the festival website.

“We are always looking for more volunteers to help us deliver the festival – particularly on the Saturday and Sunday of the Festival weekend.

"If you would like to be involved, please contact us via the Festival website www.melkshamfoodanndriverfestival.co.uk."