Gathering of Historic Boats

It's only just over a week to one of the most colourful annual events in Audlem – the Gathering of Historic Boats on the canal over the weekend of 28-29th July.

Now in its tenth year, the event brings together 25-30 former working canal boats from right across the Midlands and North West. The youngest boat is now nearly 60 years old, and the oldest about 120 years.

The boats will be spread along the canal from the main road bridge down to the bottom lock. Many of the boats will be making a special effort to get to Audlem, because of canal closures such as the serious breach at Middlewich, which occurred in March, but the canal won't reopen until Christmas, after an investment of at least £3 million.

Several boats are travelling from Northwich, which should take only two days, but it will be more than a week because of a long diversion, which includes Wolverhampton. There's also a problem on the canal north of Liverpool, and a historic boat trapped in Liverpool made the journey across the Mersey estuary a week ago to enter the canal system via the Manchester Ship Canal – just because the owners wanted to come to Audlem!

Do come to the canal on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th July to see this wonderful event.

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