The flotilla of boats will be heading to Union Wharf in Market Harborough, scene of the 1950 Festival of Boats & Arts which was pivotal in the campaign to prevent the loss of the nation’s formerly industrial waterways.
The festival
The festival, taking place on 7 and 8 June, is being organised by the Leicestershire branch of the Inland Waterways Association with local partners including us and Harborough District Council.
The weekend-long event, which is also being supported by Foxton Canal Museum, Old Union Canals Society and GL Events, will bring together historic working boats and floating traders from across the country.
There will also be lots happening on dry land with activities, exhibitions and stalls selling everything from cakes and cookies to candles, gifts and traditional canalware. The Quorn Ukulele Orchestra will be providing live music and visitors will be able to explore a range of food and drink stalls, offering gourmet burgers, hot dogs, Indian street food, barista coffee and ice creams. There will also be a beer tent offering a range of local beers. Alarum Productions will also be telling the stories of the women who worked on the waterways through story-telling theatre and live music from Barbara Bridge.
A fantastic spectacle
Andrew Shephard, chairman of the Leicestershire branch of the IWA, said: “To see the cavalcade descending down Foxton Locks will be a fantastic spectacle and a fitting tribute to the 1950 Festival of Boats & Arts.
“The Festival played a pivotal role in protecting and restoring the wonderful network of waterways that we enjoy today so it will be really special to bring so many people and boats together to celebrate this fantastic milestone 75 years later.”
Celebrating our waterways
Linny Beaumont, our East Midlands director, said: “There’s nowhere better to watch boats than at Foxton Locks and we can’t wait to welcome people to this fantastic celebration of Leicestershire’s rich canal heritage.
“Over the course of the weekend there will be so much for people to see and do as we celebrate our waterways and the vital role they continue to play 200 years after they were first built.”
