RIVERFEST, the annual celebration of the River Medina and Newport Harbour, is back for its 12th year.

The special day, on Saturday, May 18, is all about celebrating the heritage, community and the natural environment of the area, and is the largest free community event in the town.

Organised by the IW Footprint Trust, it is supported by Newport and Carisbrooke Parish Council, the IW Council, Natural Enterprise and local businesses and charities.

Visiting this year will be the re-enactments groups the Wolfguard Vikings, who bring culture from a bygone age, and the Vectis Victorians, who portray the lives of everyday working people from the Island from around the 1860s to 1880s.

Entertainment will kick off at 11am with the Vectis Corps of Drums, and local dance schools will be performing throughout the day with a mixture of modern, street, Irish and traditional dancing.

Visitors can have a go at salsa and tango with Touch Leisure, marvel at the skill of the Gothic Circus, and view historical, modern and classic boats.

Medina Valley Centre will bring along some mud from the river, so people can see the creatures of the deep that lurk there. They will also give visitors a chance to paddle their own canoe and have a go on their stunt bike course.

Island Bikeworks will check over people's bicycles, and Natural Enterprise will have information about the Island’s rivers and the need to Plant Positive along their banks.

Refreshments will include local fudge and ice cream, plus cakes and pastries from Scarrots Lane Bakery.

As a car-free event, no parking is provided and visitors are asked to use public transport, sail walk, cycle or use the Folly Waterbus.