THE fifth annual Festival Of The Rivers, celebrating the Foss and the Ouse, kicks off this weekend.

The festival gives visitors the opportunity to enjoy films and displays about York’s history, salsa dancing in Tower Gardens, storytelling for children and Punch and Judy shows along the riverside.

New this year is the Rivers Of Blood event, a discussion of the rivers’ bloody histories aboard a river barge on King’s Staith, followed by a tour.

Tickets are limited for the event, which takes place tomorrow, and cost £5 for adults, £3 concessions, and are available on 01904 554666.

The famous Dragon Boat Challenge returns to York on Sunday, along the Ouse between Scarborough and Lendal bridges.

Over 30 teams of costumed paddlers will take place in the race, which runs between 10am and 4pm, and a variety of stalls will be available on the riverbanks.

Also new this year on weekends and Wednesday evenings, the York Canoe Club is giving members of the public the opportunity to try paddle sports and kayaking from Marygate Landing.

Sessions run at 10am, 11am, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm, subject to demand, and last approximately ten minutes.

For more information, visit yorkcanoeclub.co.uk To find out more about the festival, which runs from tomorrow to Sunday, July 25, visit yorkfestivals.com