Paddlers to join canoe cavalcade for first Maidenhead PaddleFest

Around 120 paddlers are expected to join a canoe cavalcade through Maidenhead town centre on Saturday as the first ever PaddleFest takes place.

The event, organised by the Friends of Maidenhead Waterways (FoMW) and co-ordinated by trustee Dominic Hurst, looks to promote paddling in canoes, kayaks and paddleboards on York Stream to boost mental and physical wellbeing.

It also looks to provide entertainment and ‘positive interaction on the waterway’ for local residents.

The event will see paddlers meet at the Town Moor at 9.30am for a safety briefing.

At 10am, they will gather at Chapel Arches, ready for the canoe cavalcade which will start along York Stream and go to Green Lane Weir before coming back to Chapel Arches.

There will also be lots of water-based activities to enjoy.

A total of 90 cub scouts from Maidenhead Scouts are attending and will be taking turns in canoes to boost their paddle skills.

There will also be a canoe-based nature trail where they will learn about different birds, fish and plants that can be found in York Stream.

On land, the cubs will be participating in water safety games to mark Drowning Prevention Week.

Plenty of musical entertainment will be available on the riverbanks.

The Devine Buskers will be keeping visitors entertained in Chapel Arches at 10am in Chapel Arches and at 11am in the library amphitheatre.

At 11am, Teddies Music Club will be performing in the library amphitheatre.

In the event of bad weather on the day, this will take place in the library.

Free public boat rides from Chapel Arches along York Stream will be on offer during the event, which will conclude at 1pm.