The festival king and queen are crowned

This year the honour goes to brother and sister Riley and Jessica Jackson-Parr.

The youngsters, aged eight and nine, were nominated to be king and queen by their mum Kelly Turner.

“I nominated them because they have been through a lot in their lives,” said Kelly.

“Their dad died of cancer when Riley was three and Jessica was four.”

“They overcame that and a couple of years later their nan, passed away, so they had to go through all the grief again. They are now eight and nine and are thriving.”

Riley and Jessica were dressed as Viking as the theme of this year’s festival is Gainsborough Goes Norse. They will get the festivities started on Saturday as they lead the parade.

Gainsborough Goes Norse celebrates Sweyn Forkbeard, King of Denmark, who defeated the Anglo-Saxons to be declared King of England, ruling England and Denmark from Gainsborough.

But he died just five weeks after becoming King, and his son Canute moved away, ending Gainsborough’s brief capital status – but not until he had uttered his famous command.

It is said that King Canute’s bid to turn back the tide actually took place on the shores of the River Trent at Gainsborough.

Marking the 1,000th anniversary of Sweyn’s death, the Riverside Festival - now in its 12th year - will feature a parade, live music, stalls, fun fair, duck race and a stunning firework finale. There will also be free access to Gainsborough Old Hall.

For more details about the Festival, see www.gainsboroughriversidefestival.com

And don’t forget to check out www.gainsboroughstandard.co.uk next week for pictures and videos.