River Day in Sawbridgeworth: Town council holds event to celebrate and reveal all about the Stort

A celebration of the River Stort in Sawbridgeworth will be held on Saturday (June 1), with activities including boat trips, river dipping and the chance to try canoeing or kayaking.

The town council’s River Day festival at Sheering Mill Lock will provide visitors with all the information they need to know about the waterway.

The town’s Citizen Science group will have activities to reveal what lives in the river, and there will be river dipping for youngsters.

Canalability is bringing along its barge, Stort Daybreak, offering trips along the river (this was bookable and is now full), the Canal & River Trust will be represented and Whoosh Canoe Club will be providing free canoe and kayak sessions.

First responders, the police and local rescue groups will be on hand with information about their organisations and will give advice about staying safe on the river.

Representatives of green group Sustainable Sawbridgeworth will also be in attendance.

The river’s custodian, the Canal & River Trust, looks after 2,000 miles of waterways connecting hundreds of wildlife habitats, 2,980 bridges, 1,580 locks and 335 aqueducts, protecting the precious heritage for future generations.

River Day was launched in 2022 in a bid to help residents celebrate and learn about the stretch of water that bisects the town.

The event starts at noon and ends at 4pm. Visitors are advised to park in the town and walk to the lock as there is no parking on site.