DESPITE the abundance of water, Pershore River Festival was certainly not a washout.

The committee behind the festival, which took place on Saturday, hailed the event a success, with hundreds of people turning out to enjoy the celebrations.

A number of games, water-based sports, live music, food and drink stalls and other activities took place on the King George playing fields near the town's ASDA store.

The event was launched by a flotilla of Viking shops sailing down the River Avon.

Alex Mellor, manager of the Riverside Centre, and one of the festival's organisers, said: "It was an awesome day. It really was such a great community event, with everyone joining in both to help and to visit on the day. The amount of people trying out the boats was staggering. I want to thank everyone who came out for making it such a great day.

"It was an extra special day for us too because it marked the completion of a new watersports extension at the Pershore Riverside Centre. We are running paddle sports courses for nine to 13 year olds Thursday and Friday through the summer holidays, which follows on nicely from the successful taster sessions on Saturday.

"We are looking to bring the festival back again next year and we are sure it will be even bigger and better."

Families could take part in a number of activities at the festival, including circus skills, face painting, fairground rides and kayaking.

People could also look around a Viking village and climb inside a longship.

The festival was free to attend and people could enjoy live music and a beer festival at the nearby Angel Hotel.

To find out more or to get involved with next year's festival, visit www.pershoreriverfestival.org.