Skip to main content

The charity making life better by water

Crick Boat Show is back

After an 18-month hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic, Britain’s biggest inland waterways festival is making a welcome return in a new format.

Canal boats moored at Crick Marina

In partnership with the Canal & River Trust, Crick Boat Show will be hosting its very first free online event. Virtual Crick will be held between 24 and 28 March. And we're hoping the festival could be back in its customary live slot by late summer. That could be two Crick Boat Shows to look forward to in 2021.

What Is Crick Boat Show?

Quite simply, it's the biggest, most popular inland waterways festival in the UK. For the best part of two decades, it has been at the heart of the inland boating calendar, attracting thousands of visitors every year.

For one weekend in May, boat enthusiasts from up and down the country descend on the idyllic village of Crick in Northamptonshire, to swap ideas, buy and sell boats and take in the attractions. And Crick Boat Show isn't just for the aficionados. With live music, exhibitions and plenty of food and drink, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Last year, in light of the ongoing pandemic, organisers took the difficult decision to cancel Crick Boat Show for the first time since its inception in 2000. Ever since, they've been working tirelessly to bring the public a safe, fun-filled event in 2021. The result is Virtual Crick, the UK's first-ever interactive inland waterways festival.

Crick and Grand Union Canal

What's On?

In partnership with the Canal & River Trust, Virtual Crick is bringing you a host of interactive pursuits, with videos, online exhibitions and live Q&As, all from the comfort of your own home. Here are some of the show's highlights:

  • Interactive puzzles
  • Relaxation and wellbeing videos
  • ‘How-to' videos from waterways experts
  • Virtual tours and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage
  • Videos exploring the heritage and history of Britain's canals and waterways
  • Live Q&A sessions with technical experts, waterways leaders and senior members of the Canal & River Trust team
  • An online radio station broadcasting throughout the festival, with music, chat and interviews

A Brighter Future

There is real hope that 2021 will be a year of recovery. But with many of us still facing tight restrictions, it may be a little while yet before life and events like these can return to normal.

Virtual Crick is a great way to connect with others safely and responsibly. You can share common interests, absorb a little culture and explore some local history. All while staying safe and well at home.

Find out how you can be part of this unique online event.

Last Edited: 03 February 2021

photo of a location on the canals
newsletter logo

Stay connected

Sign up to our monthly newsletter and be the first to hear about campaigns, upcoming events and fundraising inspiration