23rd June 2022
This year, Birmingham will be hosting the prestigious 2022 Commonwealth Games – meaning there will be a flurry of excited spectators and athletes alike visiting the area over the summer.
With bars, restaurants and clubs expected to be bustling as usual, some may be wondering what impact the games will have on the British waterways around the area. Find out what to expect when embarking on one of our Birmingham canal routes during the Commonwealth Games.
The Commonwealth Games, which are often referred to as the Friendly Games, is an event which has been running since 1930, and has taken place every four years since. This international multi-sporting event involves athletes competing from the Commonwealth of Nations.
With an eclectic range of sporting events to spectate ranging from cricket and rugby to gymnastics and triathlons, it’s no doubt Birmingham will be brimming with life this summer. But for those who live on the canals, are looking to get away to the waterways or have a pre-booked canal boat holiday, what does that mean for the canals this summer?
Ian Lane, Head of Strategic Projects for the West Midlands and the Trusts lead for the Commonwealth Games, said:
“The games give us a unique opportunity to really showcase what a wonderful green and blue asset we have on a global stage, raising our profile and generating support so we can invest back into our waterways and protect them for many years to come.
It is important we create events that will bring colour and life to our waterways and enhance the whole Games experience. We are encouraging our boaters to come and enjoy the games and we are really excited to be working with various organisations to create events, celebrating our canals, its rich history and the boating communities that now use and enjoy it.”
This is the perfect season to go boating on the Birmingham route as the region will be brought to life. There are a number of events and activities that will be taking place across the waterways, with this year providing us with the opportunity to showcase our canals to the world.
These are through a combination of Canal & River Trust led events and those delivered as part of the Birmingham 2022 Festival, which will also be happening by, and on, the canals this summer.
Moorings will be permitted as usual with slight changes - all visitor moorings within Birmingham City centre will change to 4 days for the period of the games. This will cover the area in between Vincent Street bridge, Farmers Bridge top lock, including Cambrian Wharf, and Granville Street. This change will come into force from Wednesday 25th July at 08:00 until Tuesday 9th August at 16:00. A few more rules are as follows:
The Canal & River Trust are encouraging boaters to moor two abreast where it is reasonable to do so if the moorings fill up. The moorings durations outside of this zone will remain unchanged and 180m of new 14-day moorings just outside of Vincent Street bridge have recently been installed will be bookable. The existing mooring durations near to other key venues in Smethwick, Leamington, Coventry, Perry Barr and Edgbaston will also remain unchanged.
To help with the anticipated demand expected from the Games, there are also installed new moorings at:
No booking is required at these locations, and you can contact the West Midlands Customer Care Team for more information.
There may be, at certain times in advance and during the Games, locations where restrictions may be in place at certain times. We expect these to be very short period – but keep on eye on Canal & River Trust’s website and social media channels for further information.
Thinking of booking a canal boat holiday? Take a look at our routes today. We have something for everyone with many towns, cities, and villages to explore. Contact our helpful team for more information.
