Melksham Food and River Festival 2026 draws thousands

The Melksham Food and River Festival 2026 took place on September 5 and 6 at King George V Playing Fields and along the River Avon.

Wiltshire councillor Adrienne Westbrook, who organised the event for the 12th year along with a committee of six, estimated that thousands of people had visited the festival. 

Event organiser Cllr Adrienne Westbrook. (Image: TrevorPorter)

She said: “It always amazes me how many people turn out to support this show and we were so lucky to have lots of sunshine and no showers.

“All the hot food traders had long queues. It was just the most excellent weekend.

“An awful lot of people stayed all day. They just love the way it’s organised. We zone the park off for stallholders, we’ve got electrics. It’s really well organised.”

Hmie at the Kotitmos stand with food products from Greece. (Image: TrevorPorter)

Many vendors ran out of hot food before the day was done, with the festival providing a great opportunity for stallholders to take advantage of.

Public figures such as MP Brian Mathew and Melksham's mayor Saffi Rabey enjoy a trip on the river. (Image: TrevorPorter)

But the festival also provides a vital lifeline for charities and public bodies like the police and NHS.

Cllr Westbrook said: “We have lots of charities getting a free stall.

“You’ve got access to up to 3,000 people a day to come and talk to you.

“We had the NHS doing blood pressure checks, and they don’t normally get that number of people coming to use services.”

Promoting the Bee route Dave Maloney. (Image: TrevorPorter)

Asked what she appreciated most about the day’s events, she explained: “The people of Melksham love it.

“Anything that’s a community event, when it’s good and it’s well attended, is well worth it for me.

“The most important thing is we and the stallholders, and the people of Melksham turned out. The biggest thanks go to the people of Melksham.”

Colourful Dancing flavours preform their act. (Image: TrevorPorter)

Crowds at the Melksham Food and River Festival 2026. (Image: TrevorPorter)

Melksham’s mayor Saffi Rabey tipped her hat to Cllr Westbrook.

She said: “Adrienne and her team did an amazing job. It was a fantastic weekend. In true British style, with great weather adding to a successful event  

“First and foremost, it’s a fantastic free family event. In this day and time, people are really feeling the pinch, and it’s great to be able to provide something like this. 

“Everyone bar none was saying how much they enjoyed the day, what fun it was, all the different things stalls and events.”

Colourful characters entertain the youngsters. (Image: TrevorPorter)

The festival is organised by the festival committee with support from the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust and the Wiltshire Youth Canoe Club.