Nearly 25,000 people visited the 24th Crick Boat Show, which took place at Crick Marina near Daventry, across the Bank Holiday Weekend, 25-27 May.
The event, which was organised by Waterways World in partnership with the Canal & River Trust and Crick Waterside & Marina, saw over 200 exhibitors gather by the Grand Union Canal Leicester Line for three days of trading and entertainment, with a special Trade & Preview Day sponsored by Haven Knox-Johnston, held on Friday 24 May.
Peter Johns, Publisher of Waterways World & Show Director, says: “Crick Boat Show is now firmly established as the focal point of the year for the canal boat industry. Almost 40 boats were on display from many of the country’s top boat builders and boat brokerages, as well as a superb display of historic working narrowboats.
“Boat builders reported healthy levels of interest, with many orders secured, and our Preview Day worked well with most boat viewings fully booked and 1,600 trade and public visitors attending.
“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, and over 2,500 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 along 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.
“Fifteen bands entertained visitors and exhibitors across the weekend at the Crick Live Music Festival in association with Aquavista, including Young Elton and Fleetwood Bac. There were dozens of food stalls and a popular beer festival sponsored by LeeSan.
“Overall attendance was slightly down on last year, undoubtedly affected by the heavy rain on Sunday.”
Matthew Symonds, National Boating Manager for the Canal & River Trust, adds: “We are delighted to have once again been a partner in the Crick Boat Show, now the UK’s biggest inland waterways festival, held next to the Leicester Line of the Grand Union Canal over the bank holiday weekend.
“Our team welcomed over 2,500 boaters and waterways enthusiasts to the Canal & River Trust’s marquee, where staff and volunteers highlighted the diverse range of work the Trust does to care for its 2,000-mile network of inland waterways and the wildlife that relies upon them. Our Afternoon Talks covered a range of topics shining a light on the challenge of maintaining our 250-year network and our mission to Keep Canals Alive for the benefit of people and wildlife.”
Next year’s show dates will be 24-26 May 2025.
For more information, go to www.crickboatshow.com
