The festival took place at Crick Marina near Daventry, across the Bank Holiday weekend 23-26 May 2025.
A focal point of the year
The event, which is sponsored by Haven Knox-Johnston, and organised by Waterways World in partnership with us and Crick Waterside & Marina, saw over 200 exhibitors gather by the Grand Union Canal Leicester Line for four days of trading and entertainment.
Peter Johns, Publisher of Waterways World & Show Director, says: “Crick Boat Show is the focal point of the year for the inland waterways bringing together the whole waterways community. Boat owners and prospective boat owners get the chance to meet the country’s top boat builders and suppliers of boating equipment and services in one fabulous location.
“Boat builders reported healthy levels of interest, with many orders secured. Whatever stage of someone’s planning for boat ownership, the Show had something to offer. Almost 1,200 enjoyed free boat trips along the Grand Union Canal Leicester Line, thanks to ABC Boat Hire and London Narrowboat Project, and more than 3,000 attended the free seminars and masterclasses on boat ownership.
“As well as showcasing the boating industry, the Show is an opportunity for the inland boating world to come together to meet old friends and make new ones. With almost 100 visiting boats moored alongside the Grand Union Canal towpath next to the Show, and a packed campsite with over 300 caravans and tents, all supported by our fantastic team of 50 volunteers, the whole event has a great community spirit feeling.
“Crick Music Festival in association with Aquavista, saw a brilliant line up of new and established artists, culminating in the headline acts of ABBA Revival and Dan Budd as Robbie Williams. The Real Ale & Cider Festival sponsored by LeeSan saw visitors enjoying a great range of brews from local breweries.”
A truely amazing event
Paul Knox-Johnston of show sponsors Haven Knox-Johnston added: “Crick Boat Show 2025 was a truly amazing event from start to finish. Great visitors, great events and great entertainment. It’s down to the hard work of the organisers and their army of volunteers that make this event possible and we should be grateful for that.”
Alex Hennessey, our national boating manager, adds: “We are delighted to have once again been a partner in the Crick Boat Show. Over the four show days, our team welcomed over 2,000 boaters and waterways enthusiasts to the Canal & River Trust’s marquee, where staff and volunteers highlighted the diverse range of work the UK’s largest canal charity to care for its 2,000-mile network of inland waterways.
“The Trust's historic narrowboat 'Sculptor' and brand-new piling workboat generated lots of interest, and boaters could try for themselves a prototype of the accessible mooring bollard, after a timely TV appearance earlier in the week.”
