THOUSANDS upon thousands poured into Melksham this weekend to get stuck into the town's food and river festival.

Despite the downpours, more than 6,000 people crossed through the gates during the two-day event which was spread across the River Avon and King George V playing fields.

On Saturday, the waterways were heaving with people taking part in watersports, boat rides and a vast array of boat races.

The day after, an eclectic mix of over 70 stalls, including foods from across the world and local produce, lined the playing fields from 10.30am-4.30pm in a hugely successful day.

Adrienne Westbrook, chairman of the organising committee, said: "Once again it was just another amazing festival - it really could not have gone any better.

"It was a perfect celebration of everything that is good about Melksham. The music was great, the atmosphere was wonderful and the sights, smells and sounds were fantastic."

Proceedings really heated up early on Sunday afternoon, with the hugely popular chilli eating contest.

At 1.45pm, 12 brave competitors, cheered on by nearly 2,000 people, took part in the sizzling challenge, provided by the Wiltshire Chilli Farm, but for the second year running, Thomas Chiad was the victor, who won £100.

"The vast array of stalls, all 72 of them, complimented the festival so well. Hopefully lots have been raised for charitable cause too. It was just a phenomenal spectacle and just a superb weekend," added Mrs Westbrook.

"I particularly loved the chilli eating contest. Watching those poor souls go through that torture for everyone's amusement was hilarious but also painful."

Children had a litany of activities to choose from, including a bouncy castle, fair rides, a big slide, face painting and horse rides.

"I am really pleased that it went as well as it did. It was two days of great fun on the river," said Paul Lenaerts, of the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust, who organised the water events.

"This is one of the highlights of the year and it just keeps on getting better and better. The weather could have been a bit better but when you are playing about in the river people do not really mind getting wet.

"Overall it was a great spectacle and Sunday in particular was just magic."

The festival ended on a high with a balloon release - organised by Bewley & Merrett Funeral Directors Melksham who donated 404 cans to the town's foodbank and raised nearly £200 for it as well - where where people could remember a loved one at 4pm on Sunday.