Spitfires and up-and-coming bands set to entertain at the Rickmansworth Festival (From Watford Observer)

Spitfires and up-and-coming bands set to entertain at the Rickmansworth Festival

2:57pm Thursday 7th May 2009 in Exhibitions

Music, food and morris dancing are all on the agenda for the Rickmansworth Festival this year. Originally a celebration of the waterways, the festival has grown over its 15-year history and is now a fun-filled day out for all. Running from Saturday, May 16 to Sunday, May 17, it promises to have something to entertain everyone.

One of the highlights of the weekend is the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire Flypast, which offers a unique opportunity to see some of the planes that fought in World War Two in action again. Taking place on Saturday, this will excite all little boys (and most grown men too!). There is also the opportunity to ride a heritage train from the Metropolitan Line on Sunday and with carriages dating from the 1950s and the engine built in 1922, this is going to be an exciting experience for all. A vintage bus will also be running.

Music lovers will be spoilt for choice with two main stages offering live music from a wide variety of performers. Young bands The Spitfires, Incoherent and Pohang will give energetic and lively performances with a mix of original music and classic covers. Flutatious will be providing a more chilled out alternative with their unique blend of psychedelic folk rock, perfect for a warm evening relaxing with a beer. Covers bands Fasttrack and Wired Rock will be letting you dance the night away to all your favourite hits, both old and new. Two other acts to watch out for are Tom Craven and Esta B Daley. Tom’s soulful acoustic sound translates beautifully into both his powerful ballads and upbeat melodic tracks. Catchy songs about life, love and everything in between mean that this talented young musician is definitely one to watch. Esta’s music is influenced by everything from Ska to jazz, and her powerful melodic voice is perfect for a lazy afternoon. This local festival is an event not to be missed.

Festival highlights

There’s plenty to keep the children amused, from a medieval living history display, which includes everything from cookery demonstrations, to a children’s farm and circus entertainment.

As well as modern events, tradition plays a part with morris dancers giving displays and the annual boaters Tug of War match. Local schools are involved too, with performances from both Rickmansworth School and West Herts College.

In addition there are stalls, refreshments and a beer tent, not forgetting the chance to see hundreds of colourful canal boats moored nearby.

Saturday, May 16

Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire Flypast 2.55pm - 3.05pm: Arena, Phoenix Morris Dancers 3.40pm - 4pm: Arena, Esta B Daley 4pm - 5pm: Batchworth Lock Stage, Tom Craven 6.20pm - 5.50pm: Beer Tent Stage

Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17

Circus entertainment, various times in main arena

Sunday, May 17

Let off some steam with the Metropolitan Line Heritage Train rides. Details: www.ltmuseum.co.uk The festival is open from 10.30am to 10.30pm on Saturday, May 16 and from 10.30am to 5.30pm on Sunday, May 17.

For more details visit: http://www.rwt.org.uk/festival.html