The Canal & River Trust will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port with its annual Easter Historic Boat Gathering, taking place from 3–6 April 2026.
Around 40 decorated narrowboats and barges are expected to attend the popular event, which takes place at the museum’s historic dock site at the junction of the Shropshire Union Canal and the Manchester Ship Canal.
Visitors will be able to see historic working boats up close and enjoy a programme of activities including boat trips, lock demonstrations, craft workshops, market stalls, live music and family entertainment.
The gathering forms part of a year of celebrations marking the museum’s golden anniversary. The National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port opened in 1976 after volunteers began restoring the historic dock buildings and preserving examples of traditional working boats.
Today the museum is home to a major national collection of historic inland waterway craft, along with dockside warehouses, workshops and exhibitions exploring the history of Britain’s canals.
Anniversary activities will also highlight restoration work taking place on vessels in the collection, including Basuto, the oldest surviving steam-powered Clyde puffer, and Gifford, a rare tar boat which is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
Jon Horsfall, the Canal & River Trust’s North West operations director, said the anniversary reflects the dedication of volunteers who helped save the site.
He added that the museum continues to play an important role in preserving the history of Britain’s inland waterways and sharing it with new generations of visitors.
Canal & River Trust would be delighted to hear from anyone wishing to support us by donating or joining the enthusiastic volunteering team at the museum.
