HUNDREDS of people are expected to attend the Melksham Food and River Festival this weekend.

The two-day event at King George V playing fields in Melksham on Saturday and Sunday features around 50 stalls serving up a wide range of hot and cold food and drink, plus a belly dancing competition and river activities.

Organisers say: "There's lots to do for the whole family, boat trips, raft race and canoeing on the River Avon, a children's funfair, face painting, cookery demonstrations, live music and many artisan food and produce stalls to browse around in the park.

For younger visitors, there will be a children's fairground, climbing wall and a zip-wire ride across the river plus face-painting. On Sunday, children can enjoy pony rides on Frankie the canal horse.

Visitors will be able to take a relaxing boat trip on the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust's Mary Archard trip boat and watch the Foxhangers raft race on Saturday.

Wiltshire Search and Rescue team, Wiltshire Youth Canoe Club and Phoenix Paddlesport group will all give demonstrations showing off their skills on the water.

There is free festival parking at the Cooper Tires site on both days.