From Adrian Lane, Exeter 383262, May 12, 2008

BOATS and bicycles will form a spectacular showpiece at the Devon County Council marquee at the Devon County Show.

To celebrate the Grand Western Canal hosting the IWA National Trailboat Festival later this month (24 and 25 May), the Canal's maintenance barge will be one of the main features at the County Council's display.

Devon County Council cycling ambassador Andrei Burton, who is European number two and in the top ten in the world in mountain bike trials, will be showing off his incredible skills on and around the boat.

Councillor Margaret Rogers, Devon County Council's Executive Member for Environment, said: "This is an exciting way to promote both the Trailboat Festival and cycling. It's an honour for Devon to host the Grand Western Weekend and the Devon County Show is the perfect opportunity to tell people about this prestigious event. Andrei's display is certainly eye-catching as I know from his performances on Cycle Sunday and at Newton Abbot when we celebrated the successful Sustrans Connect 2 bid for the Big Lottery and I'm sure his enthusiasm and skill will encourage people to find out more about cycling in Devon as well as whetting their appetite for the Trailboat Festival."

Councillor Des Hannon, Devon County Councillor for Tiverton East and Festival Chairman, said: "We're going to have a truly spectacular Grand Western Weekend by our beautiful canal. There'll be over thirty trailboats on the water and lots of other craft powered by steam, the sun, people and of course our faithful barge horse!

"There's something for everyone from a climbing wall and graffiti art to a huge variety of local food, drink and music - so bring the family to Tiverton the weekend after the County Show. This will be Devon's biggest and best inland water event bar none. Come and join the fun."

The Cycle Exeter team will also be on hand at the marquee to offer advice to get 'more people cycling, more safely, more often'. They will also have information on how to take part in the many cycling schemes available through Devon County Council, such as Bikeability for schoolchildren in Exeter and Cycle To Your Heart's Content for adults.

Andrei Burton said: "The Devon County Show is always a great place to perform in front of a big crowd and get people excited about cycling. I can't say I have ever ridden on a barge before, so this will be an interesting challenge. The main thing is we're able to show that there's plenty to do in Devon's outdoors, and that cycling can be fun and is good for your health."

The Trailboat Festival, which will be held over the Bank Holiday weekend of Saturday 24 May and Sunday 25 May, will raise the profile of the Grand Western Canal both regionally and nationally by celebrating the work done in recent years to improve the waterway for boaters, walkers, anglers and cyclists.

As well as attractions on the water, including horse drawn and motorised boat trips, the two day festival will also feature two music stages and a central arena, will be packed with a fantastic range of musicians, entertainers and activities to suit all tastes and age groups.

Discounted advance tickets for A Grand Western Weekend will be available until Saturday 17 May from the Tiverton Tourist Information Office on Phoenix Lane. Advance ticket prices for one day's entry to the festival are £3 for adults, £2.50 for children and £8 for families (2 adults and up to 3 children). Full ticket prices on the day will be £4, £2.50 and £10 respectively.

Notes for Editors:

PHOTO / FILMING / INTERVIEW OPP: Devon County Show, Devon County Council Marquee, Thursday, May 15, at 1.30, with Andrei Burton performing his trick cycling on the boat and Councillor Des Hannon available for interview.

For more information, please visit the Festival website: www.devon.gov.uk/grandwesternweekend or call the Canal Rangers on 01884 254072.

Cllr Des Hannon, Chairman of the Festival Organisers, is available for interview about the event, by phone or in person. Phone 07974 233750, email des.hannon@devon.gov.uk or arrange via Devon Press Office.