2007 Hampshire Water Festival, 7 July, Andover.

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The 2007 Hampshire Water Festival is coming to Andover on Saturday 7 July. Most of the activity and entertainment will take place in Vigo Road Park and in the town centre. The Festival will not disappoint either it’s regulars or first-timers with its trademark combination of entertainment and education. There will once again be great bands, spectacular acts, great food, loads for kids to do and everything that’s anything to do with water…and it’s all free!

By moving to Andover, organisers plan to engage thousands of people who have not made it along to the Festival before. Andover is centred around the River Anton, a major tributary of the River Test. The town is earmarked for major urban development which will increase pressure on water resources, waste water infrastructure, and the local environment. The need for increased public awareness of, and engagement with, water issues is widely acknowledged by all levels of government. The Water Festival works towards this…with the added bonus of making it fun!

 The four previous Water Festivals have been held in August. This year we are moving to July in order to engage with schools. An exciting programme is being developed which will focus on involving schools in Andover. We also hope to make water-related educational resources available to all schools in Hampshire.

 Plans are also afoot to have a ‘Clean-up the Anton’ day on Sunday 8 July. Although yet to be confirmed, this will provide a chance for local volunteers and community groups to have a great day around the river, and make a real difference to the river environment and the wildlife if supports. This will be supported by events and entertainment at The Lights Theatre.

 The Hampshire Water Festival is one of a series of water-centred events taking place across the South East Counties in June and July this year. Most of the other counties in South East England are experiencing similar pressures and threats to their water resources as we are in Hampshire. Consequently, West Sussex, East Sussex and Kent have all been inspired by Hampshire to hold their own Water Festivals:

·        Kent Water Festival 2-3 June at Bewl Water Reservoir

·        West Sussex Water Festival Sunday 1 July Arundel

·        East Sussex Water Festival Saturday 14 July Arlington Reservoir

 If you would like to register to receive a Festival programme, volunteer to be a steward, volunteer for the clean-up day, or have a general enquiry about the Festival, please contact Festival Director Andrew Pitt on 01962 846810 or andrew.pitt@hampshireswater.org.uk