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Do you know somewhere near you that could host the event? We will consider any suggestion virtually and then follow up with a location visit with a view to asking the landowner for permission to start considering any suitable sites we can identify.

There are several key main elements that are necessary to consider a site as a possible venue:

• Firstly, land size. We are looking for a site that is about equal to 3 full size football pitches. This is for the trade site, campsite and car park. Ideally the campsite will need to be adjacent, or very near the trade site, and the same for the car park. The land should be as flat as possible and be alongside a waterway. The trade site area must be together, and not in small pockets.
• The waterway alongside must be able to accommodate up to 100 visiting boats, preferably double moored. Ideally the towpath will be on the same side as the site.
• If there is a section of good flat bank that can accommodate floating traders, that would be an advantage. The waterways must be connected to the main network. We have had events on rivers as well as canals.
• Access onto the land must be good enough for caravans, trailers and suppliers’ vehicles. It should be noted that vehicles can be up to 7.5 tonnes for suppliers.
• There needs to be a water supply nearby. A fire hydrant is acceptable, as we obtain permissions to use this type of supply.
• The nearer to a town the event is, the larger the projected attendance. Past events for example have been close to St Neots High Street, Northampton city centre and Ilkeston town centre. All of these enjoyed large attendance.
• The Festival of Water also seeks to campaign on local issues; if, for example, the waterway is underused, has navigational problems or even a has a restoration nearby, we will use the event to draw attention to the waterway’s needs and challenges.

While there are a few boxes to check, we hope that by asking members we can identify new sites to hold this popular event and bring it back better than ever in 2027.

If you know of anywhere that might be able to hold an event for a Festival of Water or a campaign rally, please directly contact Maria Hearnden who will be delighted to hear from you: maria.hearnden@waterways.org.uk.

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The event celebrated eight decades of IWA’s work to protect, restore and promote the nation’s inland waterways, while also shining a spotlight on the potential of the River Weaver and the challenges that continue to affect its use and accessibility.

Normally moored below Sutton Weaver Bridge, The Danny was a fitting backdrop for a campaign cruise to showcase one of the country’s most under-appreciated navigations. The River Weaver combines rich industrial heritage with exceptional natural beauty. Within a short distance of former industrial sites are thriving wildlife habitats, including some of the highest concentrations of kingfishers found on any UK navigation.

The Weaver also offers a reliable and easy cruising experience due to it being non-tidal. Thanks to its large catchment area, water levels rarely become problematic, and the navigation has never been subject to lock restrictions because of low water levels. Its staffed locks make it easy to navigate, yet despite these advantages, the river remains significantly underused.

IWA believes the River Weaver deserves far greater recognition as a recreational and heritage asset and so this is also a call to action because several longstanding issues continue to limit its full potential. A lack of dredging has constrained commercial and leisure use in some areas, while concerns remain about the long-term management and maintenance of key infrastructure along the navigation because of a loss of knowledge.

More recently the closure of Marsh Lock which is the other access point onto the river via the Manchester Ship Canal from Ellesmere Port had exasperated the situation. The lock is now operable on 3 days per week, but passage must be booked, and there is a financial cost to boaters to use the Manchester Ship Canal. [This paragraph revised for clarity on 20th June 2026].

The most pressing concern is the continued closure of the iconic Anderton Boat Lift that links the River Weaver with the Trent & Mersey Canal. Despite substantial support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Canal & River Trust has yet to provide a confirmed timetable for reopening the lift.

The closure has now exceeded 19 months, preventing boats from moving between two of the region’s most important waterways and restricting opportunities for tourism, recreation and economic activity.

While IWA welcomes ongoing efforts to address the technical challenges facing the structure, the charity believes that such an extended closure is unacceptable for a nationally significant heritage asset and major navigation link. Greater clarity is urgently needed regarding the programme of works and the expected reopening date.

Jim Forkin, chair of IWA Chester and Merseyside Branch, said:

“The Anderton Boat Lift is one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the Waterways’ and its long closure plus at least another 12 months into 2027 is unacceptable. This situation needs addressing with more pressure put on Canal & River Trust to get the boat lift working again as soon as possible.

“The lack of boats on the Weaver is very disappointing; it is a beautiful river with many attractions and historic assets. To bring boats back to the river would give a much-needed financial boost to many businesses and pleasure to boaters along its course.”

Mike Wills, IWA Chair, said:

“Over the last 80 years, IWA has helped secure the future of waterways across the country. The River Weaver is one of the finest examples of what our waterways can offer, combining industrial heritage, outstanding wildlife and excellent cruising conditions. However, its potential is being held back by avoidable infrastructure issues, most notably the prolonged closure of the Anderton Boat Lift.

“We want to see this remarkable navigation fully connected, accessible and able to realise the benefits it can bring to local communities, boaters and visitors.”

As IWA celebrates its 80th anniversary, the organisation remains committed to campaigning for well-maintained, connected and thriving waterways that can be enjoyed by future generations.

The post Campaign Cruise on ‘The Danny’ Celebrates IWA’s 80th Anniversary and Champions The River Weaver appeared first on The Inland Waterways Association.

The post Volunteer on the Northampton Arm appeared first on The Inland Waterways Association.

The post Volunteer on the Northampton Arm appeared first on The Inland Waterways Association.

The post Volunteer on the Northampton Arm appeared first on The Inland Waterways Association.

The post Volunteer on the Northampton Arm appeared first on The Inland Waterways Association.

The post Volunteer on the Northampton Arm appeared first on The Inland Waterways Association.

The post Volunteer on the Northampton Arm appeared first on The Inland Waterways Association.