MELKSHAM FOOD & RIVER FESTIVAL
Saturday 31st August & Sunday 1st September 2024
Please note information below is subject to change depending on any Covid-19 restrictions in force at the time of the Festival.
Charter Trips – Friday
You can charter The Mary Archard on Friday 2nd September for your own special trip on the River Avon. The Mary Archard can carry up to 8 persons (note: a person in a wheelchair is equivalent to 2 persons). The boat will depart at the following times, 10am, 11am, 2pm and 3pm.
If you wish to charter The Mary Archard please follow the link and complete and return the booking form. We will contact you to confirm your booking
Please be aware that there will be no Park activities or stalls to visit on Friday so you might like to bring a picnic to enjoy in the park. If you have any questions and would like to talk to someone before booking your charter trip, please call Malcolm on 07595 833297
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Hire of the boat and crew cost just £30. Please click the Charter Bookings button above to book your trip.
Boat Trips - Saturday & Sunday
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On Saturday and Sunday, boat trips will depart every 15 minutes starting at 10 am and continuing until 5pm (Sat) 4:30pm (Sun), with gaps in the timetable to allow other river activities to take place. Each trip takes around 20 minutes, plus time for boarding and disembarkation.
Please download the Boat Trip Schedule which includes important ticketing and safety information to help you when planning your visit to this year's Festival.
We recommend taking your trips early in your visit, since the afternoon trips are often sold out. You will be able to pre-book tickets during the Festival weekend by visiting the Boat Ticket Sales gazebo, which is on the park side of the Adventure Centre.
About The Mary Archard
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The Mary Archard was acquired by the Trust in 2017 to provide the opportunity for people in wheelchairs to take boat trips. She was purchased from The Wheelyboat Trust and purchased using a bequest from the estate of Mary Archard. Since 2018 she has been giving boat trips one weekend a month, in the summer, on a c1km section of the restored Wilts & Berks Canal at Pewsham, just south of Chippenham. Please go to the Trust’s gazebo for more details and dates.
About Damselfly
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Damselfly has for a long time been the Trust’s prime trip boat at this type of event. Damselfly has recently completed a refit. She can take 10 passengers at a time for a trip on this beautiful section of the River Avon
Boat Trip Prices
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The last boat trip departs at 5pm (Saturday) 4:30pm (Sunday)
£5.00 per adult
£2.00 per child (aged 2 - 14 inclusive)
£12.00 per family of four (2 adults, 2 children)
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No charge for children aged under 2 years
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No charge for carers accompanying passengers who are in a wheelchair.