Canal Events & Festivals 2018 - 2019

Immerse yourself in Stoke-on-Trent’s rich industrial & canal heritage this Staffordshire Day. On Saturday 27th April, Middleport Pottery is offering visitors the unique opportunity to jump aboard 1940s wooden narrowboat Dane for a fascinating return journey along the historic Trent and Mersey canal. This full-day experience includes a guided tour of Middleport Pottery’s Heritage Trail, a guided narrowboat cruise and a guided tour of the last remaining steam-powered Potters’ mill, Jesse Shirley’s Bone and Flint Mill (not in steam) at the Etruria Industrial Museum. Lunch and refreshments are included. Date: Saturday 27th April. Please note, there are two starting times available. Please specify your preferred tour time when booking. Heritage Narrowboat Tour One: Arrive at Middleport Pottery at 9.00am. The narrowboat will leave at 9.30am. This tour ends at Middleport Pottery approximately 3.30pm. Heritage Narrowboat Tour Two: Arrive at Middleport at 11.00am. This tour ends at Middleport Pottery approximately 5.00pm. Lunch: Staffordshire Oatcakes. Please inform us of any dietary requirements upon booking. Tickets: £40pp – Includes admission, guided tours, return boat journey (approximately 2 hours) refreshments and lunch. To book call: 01782 499766 (10am - 4pm). Full payment required upon booking. Early booking advised as spaces are limited. Free parking available at Middleport Pottery.

IWA Canalway Cavalcade is a unique waterway boat gathering organised by IWA volunteers, that has been taking place at Little Venice since 1983. Admission is Free. Join us over the early May Bank Holiday weekend. There will be activities for all the family with a boaters’ gathering, a pageant of boats, trade shows and stalls, live music, kids’ activities, competitions, Morris Dancers, a real ale bar, a wide variety of snacks and food.

May Bank Holiday weekend 4th to 6th May 2019??? Skipton's annual Waterway Festival takes place around Skipton and on the Canal Basin (off Coach Street). The event runs over the whole weekend and will be opened by the Mayor of Skipton Town. Dozens of narrowboats and other craft will line the Basin and the surrounding towpaths - all themed to help celebrate the Canal's landmark anniversary - and there will be a full programme of entertainment throughout each of the three days. Entry to the Festival is free. Once again, this year's Festival is benefiting from financial support from the Skipton BID!

The Rickmansworth Festival takes place on the third weekend of May every year and celebrates canals, the community and the environment. We had a fantastic 25th Festival and the next Festival, which is the highlight of the town’s annual calendar and the finale of Rickmansworth Week, is on the 18th and 19th May 2019. The top attraction for many is the wonderful array of canal boats from across the country - a terrific spectacle, with at least 100 craft of many types and histories moored along the towpath up to four deep. But there are things to do, see and enjoy whatever your interests, and whatever your age.

Entry form available click on more information for details: Friends of the Montgomery Canal

The Moira Canal Festival is a family event held every year on the restored section of the Ashby Canal, at the historic Moira Furnace Museum, on the North West Leicestershire and South Derbyshire border. It aims to raise awareness of, and money for, the restoration, extension and maintenance of the Ashby Canal.

BEALE PARK BOAT & OUTDOOR SHOW 2019 MAY 31, JUNE 1 & JUNE 2 10AM-6PM FRIDAY & SATURDAY, 10AM-5PM SUNDAY BEALE PARK, LOWER BASILDON, READING, BERKSHIRE RG8 9NW “BRITAIN’S MOST RELAXED BOAT SHOW” ENJOY THREE DAYS OF ‘SIMPLY MESSING ABOUT IN BOATS’ SEE, TRY AND BUY!

Leicester Riverside Festival is a lively weekend of activities for the whole family at Castle Gardens, Bede Park, Mile Straight & Western Boulevard. Sponsored by local housing provider Riverside, and supported by Westcotes Ward Community Meeting, this popular festival offers boat trips, live music, a variety of food stalls from around the world, displays and an exciting choice of activities for all ages, making it a fun packed weekend!

From 13th – 16th June 2019 As in previous years, we will be offering an inviting selection of Main stage and Fringe music in various venues around the town, backed up by the colourful array of Narrow Boats along the canal. We are also proud to continue our tradition of Morris Dancing displays, a Celidh night, stalls, workshops and celebration of the rich heritage of Middlewich.

As every year, the two-day FREE celebration for all the family is organised by Stratforward - Stratford-upon-Avon's Business Improvement District, which represents over 465 town centre shops, cafes, restaurants and other businesses. Since it was established the Stratford River Festival has grown to become one of the region’s leading free festivals.

Tiddenfoot Waterside Park. Why not come along and join the thousands of visitors who enjoy the unique atmosphere of this popular one day event. From rural craft demonstrations, colourful narrow boats and numerous handcraft stalls selling products from cheese, ceramics and plants to activities and entertainment – there is plenty to interest visitors of all ages.

The Brecon Beacons is one of the most inspiring locations in the world. Surrounded by miles and miles of mountains, forests, waterfalls and rivers, the Settlement is your opportunity to make the most of Green Man’s magical surroundings.

Burnley Canal Festival. Music, dance, performance and spectacle, fun fair, food, workshops, craft stalls and waterborne activities will all be back to take you on a trail of magic and discovery through Burnley’s unique canal side environment and heritage.

Book now for 2019, Waltham Abbey Boat, campsite and trader booking forms are now available for next year's IWA Festival of Water, which will bring boaters and visitors to the Lee Navigation at Waltham Abbey 24th - 26th August 2019.

This year’s Kirkintilloch Canal Festival will run from Monday 26th August to Sunday 1st September 2019 and we are delighted to offer the most diverse programme of events ever! Experience educational aspects that the canal can offer as well as the entertainment and excitement of Saturday night’s firework display and Sunday’s fun packed gala. The Kirkintilloch Town Hall will remain OPEN throughout the week.

Oxford Canal Festival Saturday September 7 2019???, 12-6pm Canalside fun with a watery theme. Live music, food and drink, dog show, canal art and crafts, walks, talks and films, children’s entertainment, fairground rides, Canal Olympics, boat trips and more. FREE. Part of Oxford Open Doors weekend. Aristotle Lane Recreation Ground and along the canal.

Huddlesford Heritage Gathering 2019 Hosted by Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust 21 Sep – 22 Sep 2019 Huddlesford Junction Our biennial gathering of Historic Boats, Floating Traders, Private Boats, and Classic Vehicles, with exhibitors and displays on the field.