The summer has finally arrived! And all in time for the ‘Harborough by the Sea’ festival, which is on this week thanks to the generosity of Severn Trent Water and their contract partners Laing O’Rourke.

Severn Trent and Laing O’Rourke have finished the work to replace 2km of water pipes in Market Harborough, but think that the festival is such a great event that they decided to support it again this year, as John Esslemont, customer liaison manager at Laing O’Rourke, explained:

"We really enjoyed being part of this festival, which is why we decided to fund it again this year. We understand how important it is to the town and we are proud to be able to help. Locals in Market Harborough were so understanding when we had to dig up areas of the town centre to replace the water pipes last year, so this is the least we can do to thank them for their patience."

As well as the usual attractions such as sandpits with a sandcastle competition, a treasure hunt and story telling sessions by the local library, Severn Trent will be on hand with games such as ‘hook a duck’ and free balloons.

Simone Bridge, from Severn Trent added: "We’re really looking forward to being involved in such a fun event again, so get yourselves down to The Square and join us! We will have a stand there and will be providing water efficiency advice, plus free fat traps and free water saving kits, including free showerheads."

Harborough by the Sea takes place in The Square, Market Harborough on Tuesday 31 July and Wed 1 August from 9.30am – 4.30pm and is totally free.