The events
Supported by players of People's Postcode Lottery, the Liverpool festive activity weekend starts on Saturday 3 December at 10am, when the traditional annual mass Santa Splash will set off for a two-mile paddle from the Eldonian Village in North Liverpool to the Lock & Quay community pub in Bootle. Adults and children are invited to bring their own boats or book a free place on one of the Trust's rafted canoes. Free hot food will be provided by the pub and Bootle Canoe Club.
The following day, we are offering you the chance to get out on the water in festive fancy dress for a fun 45-minute canoeing trip around Salthouse Dock and Albert Dock. There will be two sessions leaving the Trust's floating stage at Salthouse Dock at 10am and 11.15am, which both finish with warming refreshments.
On Saturday 10 December, festivities move along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal to Burnley's newly- renovated Finsley Gate Wharf and a 10am paddle in rafted canoes along one of the ‘wonders of the waterways' – the stunning one mile embankment ‘floating' 60 feet above the town. Paddlers can then return for warming refreshments in the new restaurant and join in festive card-making and music in the Community Hub.
Getting in the festive spirit
James Long, our North West engagement manager, said: “These events are a fantastic way to start the festive season and are open to complete beginners as well as more experienced paddlers. We know people love to visit the waterfront but getting out on the water is a great way to see the docks and the canal from a different perspective.
“Participants need to book a place in advance and each person who registers will be given free fancy dress and a warm drink and mince pie at the end of the paddle session.”
We will provide places in rafted canoes, supported by experienced instructors. Enhancing the festive spectacle in Salthouse Dock will also be other groups who regularly use the historic docks for activities, including a dragon boat club and Liverpool Canoe Club.
For more information and to book onto the events, please visit our events calendar.
