Fund Britain’s Waterways (FBW), an advocacy group championing the sustainable future of Britain’s canals and rivers, has revealed details of a ‘weekend of action’ planned for the upcoming May Day Bank Holiday, 4-6 May 2024.

Events will be taking place across the country on waterways managed by different inland navigation authorities, with the aim of mobilising nationwide support and highlighting the crucial need for increased government funding for the maintenance of Britain’s 5,000 miles of inland waterways.

The weekend will feature a series of coordinated activities across various locations, each designed to showcase the cultural, economic, and environmental importance of maintaining our waterways.

Johnsons-Hillocks-Locks - credit Inland Waterways Association collection

Johnsons-Hillocks-Locks. Image courtesy of Inland Waterways Association collection

Key events during the Fund Britain’s Waterways weekend of action include:

Electrika — Brinklow Marina, Rugby – 3-4 May: Electrika is the brainchild of Ortomarine, a UK builder of electric narrowboats. In collaboration with inland marina operator Aquavista, Electrika is organising an electric boating event.

Inland Waterways Association (IWA) Lancashire and Cumbria Branch – near Chorley, Lancashire – 4 May, 10am – 4pm: The IWA team will be on the stand located beside Johnsons Hillock locks on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, raising awareness for the FBW campaign.

Ripon Canal Basin - credit Inland Waterways Association collection - John Lower

Ripon Canal Basin. Image courtesy of Inland Waterways Association collection /John Lower.

Ripon Motor Boat Club – Waterways Day of Action, Ripon Canal, North Yorkshire – 4 May: Club members will turn north for the short trip to Ripon Basin, engaging with walkers enjoying the towpath during the Bank Holiday weekend. A small trip boat operates from the basin, where people will be able to see a number of boats adorned with banners and bunting, learn more about the FBW campaign and sign the petition.

Swarkestone Boat Club Cruise, Burton upon Trent, 4 May: A picturesque expedition to Shobnall Fields is planned for members and associates of the club to show their support for the FBW campaign. Unfortunately, the event is at risk of cancellation because the canal has been closed following severe damage to Barrow Bridge by a vehicle strike.

Fradley-Junction - credit Inland Waterways Association collection - David-Archer

Fradley-Junction Image courtesy of Inland Waterways Association collection/David Archer.

Inland Waterways Association (IWA) Lichfield Branch – Fradley Junction, Staffordshire – 4 May, Great Haywood Junction, Staffordshire – 5 May: As part of the FBW weekend of action, IWA Lichfield Branch will be at Fradley Junction on Saturday 4 May, and Great Haywood Junction on Sunday 5 May.

Broads Society rally at Acle Bridge, Norfolk—5 May, 2pm: The rally, in support of FBW, is campaigning for guaranteed government support for the Norfolk Broads to ensure that the Broads environment is protected and the public has access to enjoy boating, rambling, angling, birdwatching, and many other pursuits that enhance our well-being, support tourism, and help build the Broads economy.

Broads-cruiser-and-sailing-dinghies - credit Inland Waterways Association collection - Martin-Hayden

Broads cruiser and sailing dinghies. Image courtesy of Inland Waterways Association collection/Martin Hayden.

Norbury Canal Festival, Norbury Junction, Staffordshire 4-6 May: Celebrate canal heritage with family friendly festivities, crafts, and local history. Featuring alpaca trekking, boat trips, live music and even a cheese boat and pizza boat.

Inland Waterways Association (IWA) Canalway Cavalcade, Little Venice, London—4-6 May: Visitors will enjoy a vibrant, annual canal festival in the heart of London’s waterways, this year themed on Fund Britian’s Waterways.

Event opening times: Saturday and Sunday from 10am until 6pm (plus an illuminated boat procession from 9p.m. Sunday evening) and Monday from 10am until 5pm.

Norbury Junction, Shropshire Union Canal Sue O'Hare

Norbury Junction. Image courtesy of Shropshire Union Canal/Sue O’Hare.

“These regional events are an essential part of a national weekend of action, which includes activities ranging from community cruises and educational exhibitions to the much-anticipated Inland Waterways Association Canalway Cavalcade in Little Venice,” says Les Etheridge, chair of FBW. “Events like these showcase the community’s role in advocating for the preservation and enhancement of the UK’s inland waterways. We would encourage everyone in the area to engage with their local event and show their support for sustainable waterway funding.”

More information about the May Day Bank Holiday weekend of action is available on the IWA website.

Westminster campaign cruise

Fund Britain's Waterways Westminster Campaign Cruise 2

The weekend of action will culminate with the Westminster Campaign Cruise on Wednesday, 8 May 2024. This flagship event will see a flotilla of around 30 boats stand together off the Houses of Parliament and sound their horns to highlight the campaign to both the public and key decision-makers. The flotilla includes over 20 privately owned canal boats, some of which will have travelled over 350 miles to reach Westminster.

The public is invited to join FBW supporters gathering on Westminster Bridge from 12:15pm to witness this on-the-water demonstration.

Parliamentarians and other dignitaries supporting the campaign have been invited to view the flotilla from the water on the specially chartered vessel, ‘MV Valulla’.

FBW says its efforts have already gathered momentum, with over 50,000 signatures on its public petition advocating for better policies and support.

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