Organisers were thrilled with success of first Celebrate The River Day in Spalding

Water enthusiasts set sail and enjoyed a ‘fantastic’ atmosphere at the town’s first river day.

Organisers of the Spalding Celebrate the River Day say they were thrilled with the event’s success and are already putting plans in place to return ‘bigger and better’ next year.

A flotilla of vessels set off from the Welland Yacht Club on Sunday (June 8) and made its way along the river to the Moorings pub.

Families and enthusiasts also all got involved by bringing their own canoes, paddle boards and kayaks.

In an effort to paint the town in a better light and make use of the River Welland, Coun James Le Sage, worked with members of The Welland Yacht Club to organise the event.

He said: “It was a fantastic day, everyone had smiles on their faces and we had lots of positive feedback.

“We have already got plans in place to make next year’s event bigger and better.

“I have always said that I don’t think we use the river enough and our event proved that point – the atmosphere at the yacht club was amazing, lots of people joined the club as a result of the day.

“People have told me there were 20-30 people on bridges in town watching and I think that should become a regular sight for residents every weekend.”

Attendees were able to enjoy refreshments and food at the Mornings pub afterwards – which was sponsored by Sedge Estate Agents.

The event coincided with the Welland Yacht Club Open Day and members also played an important role in the day.

The RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) and Anglian Water are also at the event.

Organisers are currently in talks with Anglian Water and the Environmental Agency to improve access to the river.

Coun Le Sage added: “We simply don’t have the access points in Spalding and I think if this improved, more people would use it.

“I want to give special thanks to all of those people who were involved and to the councillors who contributed from their ward budget to help put it on.

“The money will go to the yacht club and to next year’s event so we can offer it up to more people that don’t have a paddle board.”