The Inclined Plane Trust will be at:- The Waterways Festival 2011

Festival Patron - Harry Arnold MBE 

There will be so much to see and do on the banks of the Trent and Mersey Canal when Burton upon Trent hosts The Waterways Festival, previously known as the National Festival and Boat Show, from Friday 29^th to Sunday 31^st July 2011.

This new date is a change from the normal practice in recent years of holding it over the August Bank Holiday, and has come after significant consultation with exhibitors, attending public and IWA volunteers who are all vital to the staging of the event. The historic brewing town has been chosen for the second time to host the annual celebration, with up to 30,000 people expected to attend. The three day festival is an exciting and colourful extravaganza packed with an array of attractions all aimed at providing an educational and fun day out for all the family.

Around 350 boats, many decorated, will line up along the water’s edge. Heritage crafts will also feature strongly at the festival, with historic working boats on display. The event is renowned for its high quality entertainment and history lovers will be drawn to the major Viking battle re-enactment and living camp being staged by the world famous Regia Anglorum. With a reputation for vivid and dramatic entertainment, the Mikron Theatre Company will debut a new waterways show called Hell and High Water. There is much more to see, including live music, water activities and fairground rides.

The festival will also host up to 250 exhibitors so whether you’re interested in boats and chandlery or just wish to browse the many speciality stalls, including clothing, arts and crafts, jewellery and speciality food and drink, the choice is extensive. The event itself is organised entirely by a small army of volunteers gathered from canal enthusiasts and many from the local community of the host area. If you’d like to get involved and become a volunteer please contact Ann Mayall on 01488 682504.

Make sure you put the date of this national IWA event in your diary!

Advance tickets can be purchased online at www.thewaterwaysfestival.co.uk. Ticket prices: Single Day Adults £8 (On Gate £10), Single Day Concessions £7 (On Gate £8) and Three Day (day time only) Ticket £15 (On Gate £19). Children under 16 GO FREE when accompanied by an adult.