Chester`s Big Canal 250th Birthday Celebration is on Track

The Chester Canal, at the heart of this historic city, and an integral part of the Shropshire Union Canal system, has now been in existence for 250 years since 1772 and to proudly proclaim its association with the canal system a celebratory boat rally is to be held on the weekend of July 30th and 31st

The event will be held at Tower Wharf, Chester adjacent to the historic Taylor`s Boatyard and will be sponsored by the Inland Waterways Association (IWA) and Cheshire West and Chester council.

A colourful array of many narrowboats have been attracted from around the North West to moor up for the event and in addition there will be traditional canal craft selling a range of craft goods whilst for the children there will be an ice cream stall and the Inland Waterways Association “Wild over Water“ to entertain them. Additional refreshments will be available all weekend with tea & coffee, pizzas, sandwiches and even oat cakes plus an artisan Gin Bar

Live music will be an added attraction on Saturday and Sunday afternoons plus the Aspara dance troop will be giving a demonstration on the Saturday afternoon whilst that evening visitors will be entertained by both live music and a gourmet BBQ stall on hand.

Canal societies will be there with experts to answer questions on the waterway network and canal restoration projects in the area.

Two specialist walking tours will take place at 11.00am on both mornings with expert guides taking visitors around the historic structures in the area and close by. Booking on these is not required but they will be limited to 20 persons per tour.

The public, with free entry, will be welcomed from 10.00am on both days with the official opening being at 1.00pm on the Saturday afternoon, conducted by Councillor Louise Gittens Leader of Cheshire West and Chester County Council

Jim Forkin Chairman - Inland Waterways Association Chester and Merseyside Branch said ”This canal was dug well before the Battle of Waterloo with the aim of maintaining Chester as a major medieval port and whilst its original function has long gone , it has a new role bringing boaters and tourists into this wonderful city. Many towns and cities across the UK would love to have the extensive waterside assets Chester has and maintaining and developing these assets should be a priority of all concerned “.

PROGRAMME OF ACTIVITIES

SATURDAY 30^th JULY

10.00 Public Opening

11.00 Historic Port of Chester Walk

Led by Marie Layng, Chester Blue Badge.

1.00 p.m. Official Opening conducted by

Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West & Chester Council

1.30 p.m. Bryan O’Ryan (+ friends)

folk, country, Irish, 60’s and old time singalong songs

3.00 p.m. Pole Dancing Demonstration

By Aspara Dance Company

3.30 p.m. Bryan O’Ryan (+ friends)

folk, country, Irish, 60’s and old time singalong songs

Saturday Evening Entertainment

6.00 to 8.30 - BBQ (Kindly organised by Grants of Church Minshull)

7.00 to 10.00 - Music by “Wet the Tea”

(to be held in the marquee)

SUNDAY 31^st JULY

10.00 Public Opening

11.00 Historic Port of Chester Walk

Led by John Herson, IWA.

Musical entertainment throughout the afternoon provided by John Thurby