1st February 2024
From floating markets to entertainment, the UK’s waterways are set for an eventful 2024. Take a look at what events to expect this year so you can plan your trip ahead of time!
Event: BoatLife
This event takes place annually, allowing the boating community to celebrate their passion for life on the water. Boaters can be kept up-to-date with the latest and most innovative models, equipment and accessories as well as explore and discover these in person throughout the venue.
Date: 15th – 18th Feb
Event: Bingley Five Rise Locks 250 Celebration
Celebrate the rich heritage of Bingley Five Rise Locks with a day of exciting activities, workshops, demonstrations, and family fun.
Date: 23rd March
Event: Easter Historic Boat Gathering at the National Waterways Museum Ellesmere Port
Celebrate Easter at The National Waterways Museum's Historic Boat Gathering! See Saturn, the last Shropshire Union flyboat, and Flower the horse on a unique canal journey. Enjoy demonstrations of Flower's towing skills, music by Loctup Together and Sea Shanty Rebels, short canal trips, and behind-the-scenes tours. Discover rare canal treasures, photogrammetry tech demos, Cheshire Artist Network exhibits, and model boat displays.
Date: 29th March
Event: Lea Spring Regatta
Experience the excitement of rowing in a picturesque setting with a welcoming community at Lea Rowing Club. Located in the vibrant community at Lea Rowing Club in Hackney, London. As a diverse, ambitious, and successful club, they embrace a strong sense of community spirit.
Date: 21st April
Event: St Richard's Canal Festival
Enjoy model boat displays, canal demonstrations as well as vintage and classic cars. Enjoy live entertainment, including local choirs and soloists, alongside a real ale bar. Activities for both adults and children feature an inflatable slide, duck race, face painting, judo, and more. Explore markets offering a range of goods, community stalls with advice and activities, and the traditional Blessing of the Upwich Brine Pit.
Date: 3rd – 7th May
Event: IWA Canalway Cavalcade
Discover the vibrant IWA Canalway Cavalcade, a lively canal festival at the heart of London's waterways. Perfect for families arriving by boat or on foot, the event offers a splendid day out. Soak up the lively atmosphere, surrounded by colourful crafts, unique stalls, a real ale bar, and delectable food options for all tastes. Celebrate the best of waterway life and community with eclectic live music, the legendary illuminated procession, and kids' entertainment.
Date: 4th – 6th May
Event: Norbury Canal Festival
With 36 boats in the rally, ranging from traditional to modern, and exciting food options, including a mini street food area, burgers, and ice creams, there's something for everyone. Enjoy entertainment, live music, bouncy castles, and Alpaca Trekking for a memorable day out. Don't miss the popular folk band "Half Cut Folk" performing on Monday from 1 pm at Norbury Wharf.
Date: 4th – 6th May
Event: The Green Man of the Kennet & Avon Canal festival
Explore the magic of the Green Man Festival, an annual family-friendly event in the Brecon Beacons, Wales. Celebrate folklore, traditional dance, and live music across various genres. With ten diverse areas offering literature, film, comedy, science, theatre, wellness, and family activities, there's something for everyone. Stay for the week at the Settlement, the festival site, and enjoy the scenic surroundings. Green Man Festival also supports community initiatives through the Green Man Trust and features its beer range, the Green Man Growler. Previous headliners include Fleet Foxes, Caribou, and Mogwai.
Date: 11th May
Event: Moira Canal Festival
This family event, hosted on the banks of the restored Ashby Canal at the historic Moira Furnace Museum, promises a delightful day for all. While the festival has been an annual tradition since 1989, with occasional gaps due to unforeseen circumstances, it has previously graced the Ashby Canal in 2000, 2009, and 2017. Come be a part of this unique celebration on the North West Leicestershire and South Derbyshire border, where the festival not only offers a fantastic time but also contributes to the restoration, extension, and maintenance of the Ashby Canal.
Date: 18th May
Event: Rickmansworth Canal Festival
Celebrate the charm of local canals, community, and nature at the Rickmansworth Canal Festival! This boating festival boasts up to 100 boats moored abreast, drawing around 20,000 visitors over two exciting days. Join in the festivities between Stockers Lock & Batchworth Lock in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, from May 18 to May 19, 2023, for this free event that captures the spirit of the local waterways, community camaraderie, and the beauty of nature.
Date: 18th – 19th May
Event: Marston Canal Festival
Lion Salt Works participates in the Marston Canal Festival, celebrating the rich history of the waterway that runs through the village and its vital role in salt production. Enjoy engaging crafts, live performances, delicious food, and a unique opportunity to explore some of our usually unseen collections. It's a weekend dedicated to the fascinating history of the waterway in Marston village.
Date: 25th May
Event: Crick Boat Show 2024
Britain’s biggest inland waterways festival takes place every year, showcasing various exhibitors and colourful boats on show. You will also find seminars, masterclasses, music, free boat trips, VIP access, as well as activities for children.
Date: 25th – 27th May
Event: Brentford Canal Festival
This festival is a great opportunity to showcase Brentford's diverse offerings, featuring family-friendly fun such as live music, dance, arts and crafts, water sports, and a great selection of food and drink. It's a celebration of community spirit and a testament to the magic that unfolds when an entire town comes together. Get ready to experience the best of Brentford's hospitality and revel in a festival that highlights life on the waterways!
Date: TBC
Event: Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod
Since 1947, the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has turned the charming Welsh town into a haven of music, dance, and global friendship. Over 4,000 performers and 35,000 visitors converge at the International Pavilion for a unique blend of competition and camaraderie. The highlight is the 'Choir of the World' competition, with choirs competing for top honours. Endorsed by Luciano Pavarotti in 2005, this annual musical celebration is set against scenic waterways.
Date: 2nd – 7th July
Event: Dudley Canal Art weekend
A weekend of traditional canal style painting.
Date: 20th – 21st July
Event: Cosgrove Canal Festival and Craft Fair
The Cosgrove Canal Festival & Craft Fair, hosted annually by the Society, supports the restoration of the Buckingham Canal. The festival offers a weekend of family-friendly fun, featuring historic and trade boats, craft stalls, entertainment, and refreshments along the picturesque towpath. Don't miss the adjacent Craft Fair at Cosgrove Village Hall. Join the festivities and support our canal's restoration and help spread awareness of our vital work.
Date: 20th – 21st July
Event: Brownhills Canal Festival
Discover a myriad of activities at this festival, including trade boats, history-rich and display boats, engaging paddle sports, tempting food stalls, and much more. Dive into the festival atmosphere with floating traders and canalside stalls, creating a vibrant celebration of the waterways.
Date: 17th – 18th August
Event: Shardlow Inland Port Festival
Join a vibrant celebration of the Trent and Mersey canals, the bustling port, and the charming historic village of Shardlow. Experience a weekend filled with family-friendly fun and entertainment, including a captivating "Floating Market" and a showcase of Historic Working Boats. Explore market stalls offering a variety of goods, enjoy live music, indulge in delicious food and drink, and enjoy the fairground attractions.
Date: 7th – 8th September
Looking to book your next canal boat holiday? Take a look at our canal boats and featured routes. For more information, get in touch with a member of our expert team who can help you plan your ideal boating holiday today.
