A town-wide festival celebrating community life has added an extra four days to the party as Marlow gears itself up for its best summer yet.

After last year’s success Love Marlow Festival will return for a second year running in the week leading up the town’s most loved summer party – The Regatta.

Encouraged by the positive feedback from the first Love Marlow organisers have extended the celebration by four days from Thursday, June 2 to Sunday June 12 which will see a whole host of activities take place across the town.

River activities, a children’s bike ride and tennis taster sessions at Marlow sports club are just a number of the events set to join the ever growing programme.

Launched by Churches together in Marlow organisers say the ultimate aim of the event is to make Marlow a friendlier place to live.

One of the organisers, Valerie Brownridge, said: “There was a public assessment which asked people what they felt needed to be improved in town and one thing was that people know there are a lot of things going on but people don’t know about them.

“There are people who are lonely in the town and people still feel a bit isolated so we have activities going on in smaller groups that they may want to get involved with.”

There will also be a musical repertoire by young musicians from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama followed by afternoon tea at All Saints Church on Sunday, June 12.

Mrs Brownridge continued: “Last year we were testing the ground to see what works and doesn’t work and now we want to build on that.

“We want to get more people involved with volunteering and social action. We have been really encouraged by how many people from last year have signed up again and want to help.”

Marlow’s Town Mayor Cllr Bob Johnson said he is particularly excited for the upcoming summer, saying only a few small changes have been made to the Regatta following last year’s success.

He said: "I am particularly looking forward to our Regatta reception being held at General Higginson room and then in The Shelley Theatre for the lunch together with the Town Council’s annual Awards and presentations to my chosen charities."

If you would like to volunteer at Love Marlow then email hello@lovemarlow.co.uk