Foxton Locks canal festival: 7 and 8 June
Leicestershire’s pivotal role in the renaissance of the nation’s canal network is the central theme for this year’s Foxton Locks’ canal festival on 7 and 8 June. It follows the recent success of the Tinsley Marina Open Day which showcased ‘the ways that canals can be enjoyed.’
The summer event will mark the 75th anniversary of the 1950 Festival of Boats and Arts which was held in Market Harborough.
In many ways, the festival is seen as a ‘tipping point’ in the campaign to prevent the loss of the nation’s formerly industrial waterways.
‘We’re really looking forward to this event which should be a real spectacle and lots of fun,’ says Linny Beaumont, East Midlands director for Canal & River Trust.
‘At a time when our historic waterways are again under threat, from spiralling costs and the impacts of climate change, it’s important that we all take the time to celebrate how special they are – and what better way than spending time with the family at fantastic Foxton Locks.’
The free event will see a huge number of boats, including historic working boats and floating traders, moored at the top and bottom of the flight of locks at Foxton. It’s the longest steepest staircase flight of locks in the country.
On the Saturday a cavalcade of colourful boats will make their way down the flight of ten locks and cruise to Union Wharf in Market Harborough, the location of the 1950 Festival of Boats and Arts.
‘The 1950 Festival of Boats and Arts was a pivotal event and helped to trigger the transformation of the nation’s formerly industrial waterways into the valuable leisure resource that is enjoyed by so many today,’ says Andrew Shephard, Chairman of the Leicestershire branch of the IWA.
Keeping historic canals alive
The need to keep our historic canals alive remains as important today as it ever was and we want to encourage local people and boaters to join us for this fantastic celebration of our wonderful waterways.”
The festival is taking place on 7 and 8 June. It’s being organised by the Leicestershire branch of the Inland Waterways Association with local partners including the Canal & River Trust and Harborough District Council.
There are a few remaining spaces for stall holders in the event field next to the famous flight of locks.
Visitors will be able to buy a variety of crafts and other items from trading stalls in the event field. There’s also a range of activities, exhibitions, demonstrations, live music, food stalls and refreshments.
The event is also being supported by Foxton Canal Museum, Old Union Canals Society and GL Events.
