FIRST the live music was pulled and now the sale of alcohol has been axed from the first Chippenham River Festival.

Organiser John Clark has admitted that no alcohol will be sold at the festival but that people can bring their own drinks with picnics.

He said: “The festival itself will only sell soft drinks but being in a public park people can bring their own alcohol with picnics.

“There will be alcohol served at the bar in the Olympiad leisure centre but this is nothing to do with the festival.”

The news is another blow for the festival which had live music removed from the itinerary after a change in the law meant spiralling costs for licensing.

Despite the changes to original plans for the festival, Mr Clark remains adamant that the festival will be a show stopper.

He said: “There really is something for everyone and I think that local people are going to love it.

“There will be classic family entertainment from bike displays to Punch and Judy shows as well as all the events on and off the river.

“On dry land, the huge Saddlespan tent is becoming a River Zone with fascinating exhibitions about the history of the river, its secret attractions, its technology and ecology, and some dramatic plans for its future.

“The event will end with a spectacular viking boat burning on the river.”

Inspector Kate Pain does not anticipate any problems with people bringing their own alcohol into the park.

Last year Chippenham was given a Designated Public Place Order (DPPO) meaning police officers can seize alcohol from people causing a nuisance in the town and can arrest them if they don’t comply.

Insp Pain said: “Monkton Park is a public park with unrestricted access and as such members of the public can freely use the park and its facilities, that includes consuming alcohol taken to the park with them, for example, as part of a picnic.

“If the consumption of alcohol is responsible then the DPPO has no impact.

“The DPPO is a preventative tool designed to deter alcohol related antisocial behaviour.

“For example if officers fear antisocial behaviour will occur, the DPPO allows them to demand the alcohol is handed over to them to prevent that anti-social behaviour.

“My officers will only seize alcohol or make arrests if it is causing antisocial behaviour or disorder.

“As visitors to the river festival are likely to be family based and responsible, I do not anticipate antisocial behaviour.

“I anticipate a thoroughly enjoyable community event over the bank holiday weekend.”