Pirates set to break record at RiverFest

The annual festival celebrating the river Adur returns for its fifth year over the August bank holiday weekend from August 27-29.

Suzanne Heaven, chair of the event, said: “The festival is an exciting and positive way to get every member of the community involved.

“There is something for everyone so people of all ages and abilities can take part. This year is set to be our biggest and best yet and we have lots of new events.

“We want everyone to dress up as pirates so we can prepare to challenge Hastings and steal their Guinness World Record title of the largest gathering of pirates, achieved by more than 14,000 participants, and bring it to West Sussex next year.

“We’ll be judging costumes from baby pirates to captain of the RiverFest and even looking for the best dressed dog pirate on the Saturday.”

Events taking place at the festival include a photography competition, artisan market, treasure hunt, nature walk, pirate picnic, river bike ride and live music held at venues around the town.

Contestants can also enter their cakes for the Great River Bake Off on the Saturday, arranged with the Shoreham & Southwick Rotary Club.

The festival’s main event is the Dragon Boat Race on the Sunday, where teams race in dragon-themed boats on the stretch of river between the Old Shoreham Tollbridge and Norfolk Bridge.

James Parker, founder of Shoreham RiverFest, said: “We have more teams registered for the boat race – which I am taking part in – than ever before. It’s great to see the festival grow and develop year on year.

“It was started to focus on honoring the past, present and future importance of our beautiful river. Without the river the town would probably not exist. There is a stack load of history surrounding the river going back hundreds of years.”

Run by volunteers, the festival supports Sussex Sailabilty, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Shoreham Lifeboat Station charity.

Festival wristbands are £2 and can be purchased at the Suter’s Yard pub in High Street, Shoreham.

For more information, like the RiverFest Facebook page or email [email protected].

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