Malmesbury lies between the Sherston and Tetbury Avons, and it is here that the two rivers converge below St. John’s Bridge and the River Avon proper begins.
Where Two Rivers Meet - Malmesbury River Festival
12 June - 5 July 2026
Friday 12 June – Festival Opening 5pm Caerbladon
Waterpower
Waterpower is a sound installation by the Malmesbury sound artist, Mike Hipwell, which uses the recorded sounds of the rivers and streams of Malmesbury, taking in the ebb and flow of the seasons which are then combined with composed and performed music (installed in Caerbladon's backyard throughout June)
Confluence
An exhibition of work inspired by rivers in the Malmesbury area, including new paintings by Sandra Chin, Miranda Carter, Rachel Heard, and Dale Topsom.(on display at Caerbladon throughout the festival).
Where Two Rivers Meet (photography) by Richard Harris
An exhibition of selected work about the Malmesbury rivers through the seasons (Birdcage Walk railings throughout June)
Sunday 14 June
Malmesbury River Heritage Walk
A guided river walk led by historian Campbell Ritchie and scientist Dr. Jumana Akhtar exploring how the two rivers have shaped Malmesbury’s story in terms of their social, economic, historic and ecological impact. A MAGIC (Malmesbury Area Green Impact Community) event for Big Green Week 2026.
Friday 19 June
Troubled Waters show by Corinne Harrigan
Contemporary retellings of ancient river legend, folklore and myth
This adult spoken-word storytelling show explores our connection to waterways, wetlands and their inhabitants. Leaping salmon, fishtail women, mythical raves and sacred springs. Suitable for 10+ accompanied by adult.
Friday 26 June
Ivana Kupala – Midsummer Magic in Malmesbury
Malmesbury Stands with Ukraine celebrates Ivana Kupala, an ancient Slavic midsummer festival honouring the elemental forces of fire and water, celebrated around the summer solstice to mark nature’s peak. Cloister Gardens 6pm – 9pm. At the end of the evening, everyone walks down to the bridge over the Avon and throws their wreath into the river (but no wading in to retrieve them or bonfires!)
Saturday 27 June
Landscape Artist of the Year 2026
A painting and drawing challenge taking place on St. Aldhelm's Mead, with the river framing iconic Malmesbury river views. 10am – 2pm
Cynefin - band concert (7pm Malmesbury Town Hall)
The brainchild of Welsh folk singer, researcher, grain grower and cultural historian Owen Shiers, Cynefin started life as a musical mapping project. After receiving a scholarship to research the obscure and forgotten folk songs of his native Ceredigion, his initial aim was to create a musical map of the county, starting off in the Clettwr Valley where he was raised.
The result of three years of research and work, Cynefin’s debut album ‘Dilyn Afon’ (following the river) follows the cultural ‘cynefin’ of Owen’s home county.
Thursday 2 July
Dusk Detectives - Looking for Bats and Moths (8.30pm St. Aldhelm’s Mead)
Join the 'Dusk Detectives' looking for Bats and Moths in St Aldhelm's Mead in Malmesbury on Thursday the 2nd of July starting at 8.30pm.
We will be setting up moth traps and will be armed with bat detectors, night vision binoculars and a thermal camera to detect and see as much as we possibly can - everyone will get the opportunity to use the equipment.
Members are FREE, guests are just £3 per person and Membership is only £10 per household per year. Book your tickets here: https://malmesburynaturalhistory.co.uk/event/dusk-detectives/
Saturday 4 July Riverside Sketch and Walk (10am - 1pm) CANCELLED .
River Film Night (7pm Malmesbury Town Hall) POSTPONED
Sunday 5 July
Malmesbury & District Natural History Society - Bioblitz (Sunday 5 July 10am - Noon St Aldhelm's Mead)
Help us record all the wildlife, plants, insects, birds or mammals in St Aldhelm's Mead by taking photos and notes on where they were found. You don't need to be an expert in wildlife. If you don't know what you are looking at, you can take a picture and get someone from the Society to help. All we need is lots of people with inquiring minds. If that sounds like you and your family, please reserve a space on our website. It's completely FREE but we do need to know numbers beforehand so we can plan!
To book a place https://malmesburynaturalhistory.co.uk/event/bioblitz/
Between May and December 2026 Caerbladon is partnering with local community environmental groups such as the Malmesbury River Valleys Trust and MAGIC (Malmesbury Area Green Impact Community) to commission artists, writers and scientists to research stories, facts and unusual aspects of the river and uncover how it has shaped our lives in terms of social, economic, historic and ecological impact. The aim is to engage residents and visitors in activities that celebrate Malmesbury’s river habitats and raise awareness of river health and climate impact.
In Summer 2026 there is the inaugural Malmesbury River Festival featuring new site-specific works, community engagement and participatory activities the river's cultural and environmental importance. The festival is supported by Malmesbury Town Team and Malmesbury Town Council.
Click on the event or activity to find out more and book your place. Our Events page is here
