A giant samovar, a kind of kettle, was brewing up tea for the River Festival audience on Sunday, May 1st by the riverside in Ross-on-Wye while a large heron, storytellers and a dance group entertained families who braved the weather.

Local writer, performer and storyteller Roger Drury was at the Prospect encouraging visitors to pick up a sketch book and see the ’picturesque’ view of Ross.

Alongside the Ross Beer Festival and the national organisation, Open Canoe Association, which was celebrating their 60th anniversary, the Wye Valley River Festival’s travelling Wye Serai brought a full day of family entertainment to the town.

The Wye Serai flings started at 12noon at the Rope Walk and festivities continue until 6pm with performances by the Water Ones and music from the George Choir from Newnham and the Festival street band. It’s all part of a fantastic and creative programme put together by artistic directors Desperate Men as part of an initiative led by the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Partnership.

Making a splash along the river, from Hereford to Chepstow, The Wye Valley River Festival runs from April 29 to May 15 – it’s more than a fortnight of fabulous, free, family entertainment. Find out more at www.wyevalleyaonb.org.uk or pick up a free programme at any of the festival events. Twitter: @wyebeauty #wyevalleyriverfestival; Facebook: www.facebook.com/ wyevalleyriverfestival