Plans for the Ross section of the Wye Valley River Festival are underway and expected to concentrate on the history and culture of Ross-on-Wye. The watery festival with the “wow” factor takes place from April 29th to May 15th.

From its exciting launch in Hereford to the grand finale at Chepstow Racecourse, the festival will bring a series of innovative, intriguing and spectacular events to different locations along a 60-mile stretch of the river.

There’s amazing energy going into the planning and preparation for this unique festival and now’s the time to get those creative juices flowing and be a part of it.

On Saturday, February 13th in the Courtroom at Shire Hall Monmouth (2pm-4pm) and on Sunday, February 14th at Llandogo Village Hall (2pm-4pm) get in tune for the festival with Elle Holliday, who already runs dynamic choirs in Gloucestershire and the Forest of Dean. The sessions are for everyone who wants to sing and be part of the festival performances and the finale on May 15th. They are open to all ages and abilities, from age 16. Participants can just turn up – there’s no need to book, but sessions will start on time.

“Singing opportunities will continue in the lead-up to the festival, with talented choir leaders and singers leading enjoyable and fun events, singing songs about water, rivers, rain, tears, and tea! We will look at all kinds of different songs, so whatever kind of music people like, there’ll be something they love,” said Sarah Sawyer, Community Links Officer with the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

As the programme develops between now and the start of the festival, there will be lots more opportunities to join in free events to make flags, banners and bunting; tell stories, invent new stories and explore myths and legends; make up new routes across the landscape and more. Sarah added, “Watch out for news of sessions on walking and storytelling – and how to do both at the same time! We’ll be exploring hidden places and secret stories throughout the Wye Valley Schools and communities will also be making hundreds of flags and banners and miles of bunting - we need everyone to join in the fun!”

If you’re interested in taking part in any of these creative days or you want to get involved in any way please contact Sarah Sawyer, email: [email protected] or call 01600 710844 to register interest and be put on the mailing list.

Visit the website www.wyevalleyaonb.org.uk for more information about the Wye Valley River Festival; follow on Twitter: @wyebeauty #wyevalleyriverfestival or like us on facebook: www.facebook.com/ wyevalleyriverfestival.