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Thursday, March 28, 2024
The Parrett Catchment Project
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River Festival 2003

River Festival logo

The River Parrett Festival 2003 on Cocklemoor in Langport was hailed as a resounding success with 3,000 visitors joining in the celebrations on the day.

 

 

Preparations began on site the Friday before with the five marquees and three yurts giving the site structure and the bunting and banners adding vibrant colour. By Saturday evening a bustling Tudor encampment had been established under the trees by the Sutton Household and through Sunday visitors were taken back in time with their re-enactment of life on the river bank in Tudor Times. On the sunday morning exhibitors worked to get displays, competitions and props ready for the 10:00am opening. Local poet and author James Crowden, Regional Director of the NFU Anthony Gibson, and PCP Officer Harriet Candy officially opened the event with the sun shining right on cue. This was followed with a colouful and lively 'procession of sound' from local school children around the site.

 

 

With the wide range of activities on offer there was something for all the family. Many children were kept busy with the treasure hunt and bug hunt, charcoal drawing and brass rubbing, and Professor Paradox was a huge hit. Many visitors arrived early and stayed all day making the most of all the free activities, such as willow sculpture, weaving, rush seat bottoming and rush hat making. For those wanting to get on the river there were electric boat trips and rides on a solar powered canoe. A canoe demonstration by the local scouts took place opposite the Westover pumping station, which was open to the public, and the heavy machinery demonstrations. Just as the weather broke a duck race of 1000 bright yellow ducks took place to keep the atmosphere bright.

Many thanks to all those that came to Cocklemoor to celebrate with us on the day and to those who worked so hard to make it a success!

 

Please click on the thumbnails in the gallery below to view a larger image.

Boat with bunting

River Festival 2003 Gallery