The Stratford-upon-Avon River Festival in 2011 was the third in recent times and enjoyed great weather with around 35,000 in attendance on the Recreation Ground by the River Avon over the weekend.

A selection of some of our lovely feedback.................

Dear Ruth - It was lovely to meet you at the River Festival and congratulations to you and your team for an absolutely superbly organised weekend. Not only was the trading side of it brilliant, the whole atmosphere, the music, the fireworks, the people – everything was fantastic. Top marks also to the person responsible for the weather! Interestingly, although alcohol was available all day (the jugs of Pimms were great!) I didn’t see a single incident of unpleasant behaviour and the one lonely policeman, occasionally seen on patrol, speaks volumes for the people of Stratford. You have definitely got the formula just right in terms of size and what is available. Which brings me to 2012. I would definitely like to book for next year and will send off an application form as soon as they are available, together with the deposit. As mentioned I would like, if possible, to book the same stall as I had this year.

Many thanks again for a very, very well run event.

Kind regards Julia Doyle

Julia Margaret Handbags

G'day Ruth, Thank you and all the organising team for a fantastic River Festival. This year was even better than last. I'm sure Stratford must have benefited hugely. As a boater (NB Foreward) I really enjoyed the friendly atmosphere and the excellent music and congratulations for laying on such good weather! As Chairman of the youth charity boat Centenary, I must also thank you in enabling us to reach so many youth groups many of whom were unaware of this unique facility available to the young people of Stratford. The interest we had from youth leaders from Scouts, Guides, the local youth service and from so many other young peoples organisations was remarkable. I'm sure this will help us reach so reach more youngsters from the area who can then benefit from the waterways experience that we offer. We would very much appreciate the opportunity to repeat the exercise next year.Thank you all again. Best regards, D C (Dusty) Miller, Chairman, Stratford upon Avon Narrowboat Trust.

Pls Chris will you pass on my congratulations to your team – I thought the River festival was just brilliant Kind regards Jean Clymer Programme Secretary Stratford Society

Dear all – and especially including Ruth as I don’t have her email. I just wanted to say a huge well done for organising and staging the fantastic festival this weekend.It truly was bigger and better than last year – a real festival vibe to the town. Stalls were fantastic, everyone friendly, family zone just perfect and the bandstand music eclectic and entertaining. Of course I am duty bound to say that…..On a final note we absolutely loved Ahab – next year’s Mumford and Sons…??? Sara x Sara Apsley RSC

Hi Ruth, Just a quick email to let you know, I had a great weekend at the festival last week. Good sales and a lovely atmosphere, and wondered if it would be possible to be considered for next year. I wondered whether you automatically contacted previous stall holders, or do we approach you nearer the time Anyway, thanks again and kindest regards
Karen Sheppard - The Sheppards Flock

Hi Chris - All the feedback I have been given on the river Festival is extremely positive. From a personal point of view, our businesses had strong trading performance over the weekend, which was great, as it obviously attracted people to our end of town as well as waterside. In addition to this, I was give positive feedback from businesses and customers alike. Please pass on my thanks to your team – I think they did a fab job. Kind regards Symon Powell Bensons of Stratford upon Avon

Dear Pauline- Thank you so much, really loved the festival. Please forward us any information on your future events as we would love to come again. Sara & David Lock - D&S Sweets

We decided to visit Stratford in our touring van after many years for our Ruby Wedding, we did not know about the Festival at the time, but we felt it was just for us – the atmosphere, the toilets, the kind people could not of been any better. Mrs S Baseley, Coventry

Dear Ruth - A little bit late, but I needed a week 2 recover from the festival!!! An enormous thank you, well done, congrats & cant wait till next year!!! The festival was an enormous success, the vibe was wonderful, the guests lovely and we all thought you, Chris & Marion did a truly fantastic job!Thank you for letting the One Elm be a part in such a wonderful festival, I would be honoured to do it all over again!! Best Wishes & Thank you Niki Burr - The One Elm

We couldn’t fault anything! We would like to request the same site and position next year please – Andy Poole - The Barn at Studley

Ruth thanks so much to you and all the team again, hope you will invite My Paul and me next year. Well done guys brill xxxxxx Marea Merlo – Beez Neez Clothing