Scores of boats line the banks of the Avon for Stratford River Festival

STRATFORD-UPON-AVON River Festival got underway today with thousands of visitors expected to gather on the Recreation Ground for the town's annual two day nautical spectacular.

Rows of colourfully decorated narrow boats moored at the town's Recreation Ground were bedecked with flags and pennants of all shapes and sizes.

Crowd numbers increased as the day wore on with many enjoying the food and craft stalls as well as the boats which had come from all over the country.

Saturday night marks the traditional lighting up of the narrow boats, live music and a spectacular firework display.