So Somerset

The River festival is back in Taunton for the first time since 2004. The events takes place in French Weir Park and on the River Tone starting at 10am this Sunday.

There will be the chance to see lots of colourfully decorated boats moored along the river bank, plus opportunities to take part in river activities like canoeing and fly fishing.

The Wurzels will be topping the bill on the open air stage where there'll be live music all day.

The BBC Somerset Bus will also be there to give youngsters the chance to find out what its like to be a radio news reader.

Top of the bill

3000 rubber ducks will be setting the day off when they take to the water for the Giant Duck Race at 11am. This will be just the start of a day full of activities.

There'll be boat trips on the River Tone and a water taxi running between temporary stations on the river. There'll also be opportunities to have a go at canoeing or try your hand at fly fishing and angling, all under the guidance of trained instructors.

A guided walk has been organised for the afternoon to explore the historical significance of the river in the town and plans for its future regeneration. And people will also be able to enjoy the model boats and a drop-in workshop and craft stalls.

Wurzels make a splash

An open-air stage will feature live music all day. The line up includes Lazy River Jazz, the Blackdown Samba Group and Somerset Music's Ukelele's United, Nick Crump with his amazing musical plumbing and Songs of the Waterways with Alec Hay.

The Wurzels

The Wurzels will top the bill, playing at lunchtime. And the festival will close to a hot air balloon launch from the centre of the site.

An illuminated boat procession will take place just after sunset at around 7.30pm on the evening before the Festival. If you want to bring your boat please contact the Harbour Master on 01460 241302 or download a boat entry form from this site:

Fifty million pounds

Somerset County Council’s Climate Change Café will be present as part of the Rising to the Challenge Roadshow. They'll be talking to people about their views on climate change and how much we can do about it.

This year the Water festival is joining forces with Waterlinks, a Somerset project that has been shortlisted for a £50 million BIG Lottery bid. Waterlinks aims to unite 21 local initiatives, all based around making more of the County's many waterways. The future of the project will be decided in a TV vote this December.

BBC Somerset Bus

Our BBC bus will be at the festival to join in the fun. After 10:30 we'll be opening our doors to anyone who wants to have a go at being a radio news reader. Click here for more details.

Just come along to the bus in French Weir Park on Sunday between 10.30am and 3pm and book your 15 minute slot.