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Friendly gathering raises thousands for charity

The weekend event, combining a summer fair with a traditional boat gathering, was unique in the fact that everything was free, from moorings to stall pitches.

Almost 40 traditional boats were accommodated inside Alvecote marina creating an unusual friendly atmosphere with all the cabins being side by side. Some were fully laden ready to ply their trade along the canals. Other boats in the marina were decorated for the event as were those moored on the canal itself.

The weekend included a beer festival and evening entertainment at the canalside Samuel Barlow pub, sponsors of the event. Craft and charity stalls were among the main attractions on the Sunday when a surprising 2000 visitors put car parking arrangements to the test. Hundreds of pounds were raised for 12 local charities and they, plus all other stallholders, kept 100% of their takings.

Dressed pleasure boat judging took place on the Saturday. Results: 1 Lady D, 2 Molly Malone, and 3 Lunar Cureen. The Les Lapworth Trophy for the best turned out historic working boat went to the butty Verbena.

Harbourmaster Tim Davis said: “The event was so successful that some boaters and visitors thought we had been doing it for years. They were quite surprised to learn that it was our first time.”

Event organiser Caz Wale, from the Samuel Barlow Pub, said: “It was amazing – well beyond expectations. Obviously there is already talk of it becoming an annual event and the feedback we have had has been so positive.”

Words and photography: Les Heath