THE banks of the river Avon in Evesham were buzzing as the town welcomed boaters from all over the country to its annual river festival.

Wanderers of the waves in all shapes and sizes made the event the biggest the town has seen since flooding forced the festival to be cancelled in 2012.

The main event took place on Saturday and crowds looked on as Dakota planes performed fly bys over Workman Bridge in Evesham.

There were also a range of stalls and activities going on, a huge variety of boats on the river banks, Morris dancing, boat demonstrations, boating competitions, fairground rides and activities like bouncy castles.

Councillor Mark Goodge attended the event with his family.

"We spent most of the day down there," he said. "I really enjoyed it, it's nice to see it up and running again. I though it was better then last year and the year before it was cancelled.

"It seemed pretty busy down there and the riverside was packed.

"There was a lot more going on actually on the river, it kept my children amused as well."

In the evening the river Avon provided the scene for the spectacular illuminated parade after which the skies lit up with the annual firework display.

Cllr Goodge added: "We watched the fireworks from our house and they were really good."

On Sunday a different type of vessel entered the water and the river was filled with little yellow rubber ducks.

This was for the duck race which saw yellow, and some white, ducks race up river.

Also taking place over the weekend was the Wind in the Willows Event at the Riverside Centre in Evesham.

Ratty’s Riverside Shows happened throughout the day and children had their photos taken with Toad, Mole, Badger and Ratty.