Over 100 members of the public attended the event on the River Weaver on the Saturday. Eight canal organisations from around the region set up stalls, gave expert advice and answered questions about their current projects. What was most pleasing to the exhibitors was that some recruited new members and volunteers, and the public gave generously to the good causes.
The eight organisations involved were the Manchester & Stockport Canal Restoration Trust; Runcorn Locks Restoration Society (Bridgewater Canal); Shropshire Union Canal Society; River Weaver Navigation Society (Frodsham cut and lock); Sankey Canal Restoration Society; IWA Chester and Merseyside Branch, Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust; and the Danial Adamson Preservation Society.
Sunday was a disappointing day as only a handful of visitors turned up. The downturn was caused by a major incident on the nearby M56 viaduct. It brought traffic to a complete standstill and nearby A roads became log-jammed. A message from the police showed that, right through the busiest period until 4.00pm, the motorway would remain blocked. So, potential visitors were either stuck in their cars or chose not to set off from home.
