Debris including bikes, shopping trolleys and a safe was recovered by divers on the River Avon at the weekend in a big clean up ahead of the first Chippenham River Festival.
Members of Calne Sub-Aqua Club used sonar detectors to locate objects on the river bed.
They found three bicycles and three trolleys as well as smaller items.
Organiser John Clark said: “The clear-up was fascinating and I am sure the police will be interested in a safe – what a cracking find albeit sadly empty.
“The river is now free of any debris and is ready for the festival to start where dragon boats, canoes, duck racing and sailing boats will all take to the river.”
The festival begins on Saturday with a full day of dragon boat racing. Nine teams will be battling for honours. They are raising money for a variety of charities including the RNLI, Wiltshire Blind Association, St Nicholas Appeal for a Hydrotherapy Pool (SNAP), Springboard Opportunity playgroup and Cancer Research UK.
In Monkton Park, there is the Adrenaline Zone, the Kids’ Zone and the River Zone for those who want to learn about the river – past, present and future.
A catering tent will have a hog roast and a non-alcoholic refreshment tent with entertainment.
On Sunday on the river there will be raft races, canoe races and demonstrations, duck races, and a fancy dress boat parade.
Throughout the day there will be displays from a stunt BMX group, and an impressive climbing wall.
A Viking boat burning will close the festival on Sunday at 7.30pm where it is hoped rockets will be launched at it to set the boat alight.
Mr Clark said: “Although this is all fun, light-hearted stuff there is a serious point to all this – that the river should be the cornerstone of Chippenham’s future. We want people to come and enjoy this great facility and realise the full potential of it.”
Entry to the event is free with some of the extra attractions charging admission.
Events begin on both days at 10am and finish at 9pm.
For more information and a full timetable of events log on to www.chippenhamriver festival.co.uk
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