World Heritage River Festival
The free World Heritage River Festival on Saturday 17 September is set to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Gorge becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site in style.
The highlight of the day for many of the visitors will be the magical river procession finale, the Severn Fire and Light Flotilla, created by outdoor arts specialists ‘Walk the Plank’, featuring illuminated boats, music, performers and pyrotechnics.
Taking place from 2-9pm there will be lots to see and do for all the family, with much of the action taking place in Dale End Park with arts, crafts, music, dance, food and drink and with street theatre, heritage crafts, vehicles and walks and talks spread along the main high street, market square and the Merrythought site.
The Wharfage will be closed for carriage rides, a steam engine, street entertainment and live music, food and entertainment put on by the Wharfage businesses.
In the Market Square, Ironbridge Gorge Museums Trust will be hosting craft activities and heritage demonstrations including blacksmiths and rag rug making and talks on the history of the Iron Bridge.
Visitors will be able to buy rice paper roses from the bridge to scatter over in celebration of the UNESCO anniversary. There will also be free entry to the Toll House (and Museum of the Gorge) throughout the day.
The anniversary celebrations continue further down the river at Maws Craft Centre where lots of workshops are housed in a converted Victorian tile factory. A free minibus will take visitors to Maws from Station Road car park which is next to the Iron Bridge Toll House.
Ironbridge Gorge Walking Festival is organising a 6.5 mile guided woods and river walk which will show how the river and the local geological instability affected the industrial revolution and how it continues to affect lives today.
After a long walk why not sit back, relax and enjoy the vibe at the Q-Hotel Acoustic Stage showcasing local bands and sponsored by Telford Hotel and Spa.
Councillor Shaun Davies, Telford & Wrekin Council leader and cabinet member for Tourism, said: “The Ironbridge Gorge is spectacularly beautiful and it is a matter of pride for everyone who lives in Telford and Wrekin that it has been a World Heritage Site for three decades.
“There is so much going on throughout the day that the whole family is sure to be entertained and I have no doubt that the evening finale will be a real treat for all”
Anna Brennand, Chief Executive of the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust, said: “The Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust is delighted to be a part of this great event and we are all looking forward to welcoming both local residents and tourists to enjoy this great spectacle.”
The Festival will last from 2-9pm with the river procession starting at 7.30pm. Visitors are advised to use the park and ride facilities at either end of the Gorge. More information about the River Festival can be found on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or by visiting the website www.discovertelford.co.uk/riverfestival
This event is part of the Festival Telford programme, which has been made possible by funding from Arts Council England.
