Great Stour Riverfest gets under way

Several free events will take place over the week

Canterbury's week-long Great Stour Riverfest has begun.

The festival celebrates the environmental, historical and cultural aspects of the River Stour, the second-longest waterway in Kent.

Events include punting tours, river walks, arts and crafts sessions and evening talks from local community organisations.

Delivered in partnership with the council, all the events are free of charge but spaces need to be booked online.

Canterbury city Labour councillor Mel Dawkins said the festival was "a wonderful opportunity to get out and about, enjoy our stunning local environment and learn more about our beautiful river and the wildlife that calls it home".

The community event kicked off with a Riverfest fair in Westgate Gardens, which featured stalls where visitors could learn about the Great Stour, watch demonstrations and take part in family activities.

A sponsored duck race by the Canterbury Rotary Club will conclude the festival on 22 September.