Saturday 3rd May 10am – 8pm
Hereford River Carnival
Produced and Directed by the Hereford River Carnival Group with support from Desperate Men and the River Festival team and professional development from Macnas
Falsely accused, Ratty the Water Vole is on the run. Darting between flotillas, fire shows and festivities, he is pursued through riverside towns and villages in a ground-breaking event which brings the landscape to life while confronting the environmental issues affecting the beautiful river valley….
Where’s Ratty?
Ratty is on the run. At the Hereford River Carnival, where everyone is transfixed by the vibrant processions, the world’s first underwater bicycle race and runners trying to beat the Cathedral Bells, is he heading downstream in the flotilla of decorated, carnival rafts?
A full and exciting family day out taking place in the Cathedral, on Cathedral Close, Bishops Meadow, Castle Green and of course, on the River itself!
Hereford River Carnival Programme:
The Mayor will open the River Carnival in Cathedral Close at 11.50 preceding Beat the Bells
10am: activities start at Castle Green and Bishops Meadow – stalls, charities, circus workshops, treasure hunt
11am: Maypole dances at Castle Green, performances start at Bishops Meadow and workshops and picnic in Villa Street
11am: The Wye Trow, the Hereford Bull starts short trips along the river by the Old Wye Bridge
12pm: The bars open and the ‘Beat the Bells’ runners set off from Cathedral Close to the sound of the Cathedral Bells
12pm: Live music starts on Bishops Meadow
12.45pm: runners start to return to the finish line at Castle Green
1pm: performance of ‘Oh What a Lovely War’ review in Castle Green
1.30pm: Beat the Bells runners winners announcement and ceremony
2pm: foot processions set off from Castle Green and Villa Street
2.30pm: both foot processions join at Bishops Meadow and the Carnival takes to the river!
3.30pm: Watch out for Ratty! The story starts here. What has Ratty been accused of and will he escape? Performances on Castle Green and the river
4pm: live music starts on Castle Green and interactive activities and exhibitions start in the Cathedral
Want to get involved? There are lots of opportunities to take part in this event, either on the day or in preparation. Please check out the Facebook page of the River Carnival https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hereford-River-Carnival/311662028972011 or contact for more information.
Main stage music at Bishops Meadow
12.00 Bandemonium
1.00 White Light
1.15 Country Music Duo
2.15 Procession percussion / wind bands / Dolloway Dancers
2.45 Garrick Singers + kids’ chorus
3.15 Jackhammer Blues Band
4.15 White Light
4.30 Livewire Band
5.30 Sproatly Smith
6.30 DJ
7.00 Hereford Live Band