Information on Loughborough

Loughborough Canal Festival Declared Open

Posted on 03/05/2008

Boats moored for Loughborough Canal and Boat Festival

The 2008 Loughborough Canal and Boat Festival was officially opened today at 11:00am by the Mayor of Charnwood, Cllr. Joe Tormey who was joined by the Mayoress, Cllr Debbie Green.

The opening of the festival was carried out from bow of a canal boat under the chain Bridge and the cutting of a ribbon.

However a pirate had heard about the Mayors official chains being made of solid gold and set course to board the Mayoral Barge. This would have threatened proceedings, however the pirates lack of sailing skills, being stuck in a coracle and tending to go round in circles rather than in any specific direction, made sure he was of little threat. The pirate was not apprehended and agreed to entertain the crowds for the rest of the day.

painted items on the top of a canal boat moored along the canal towpath in Loughborough

The Mayor said in his opening speech: “Welcome to our visitors from other places and to people from Loughborough, I hope you have a good weekend, have a great time, buy lots of things and give lots to charity. Have a lovely time.”

Alongside the canal path the festival boasts a large number of canal boats and cruisers of all descriptions with their friendly owners and in many cases dogs. Numerous charity stalls, children’s entertainers, food stalls and others are also present. Returning this year also is a display of live birds of prey.

Crowds on the canal towpath in Loughborough, Saturday 3rd May 2008

The event continues this afternoon and tomorrow.

Links

Photographs from todays event