2nd July 2013
Our Festival provided a fabulous day out for thousands of happy people over the weekend.
There was lots of entertainment both inside and out; hundreds of people took boat trips; the caterers did a roaring trade; Birds of Prey did flying displays; there were plenty of rides for children, plus canoeing and zorbing and we had dozens of stalls varying from the RSPB to old tools to home made jam. On the Saturday morning, we were amazed to see the Red Arrows flying overhead. On Sunday afternoon the Derbyshire Water Rescue team turned up to do a display. Our Fun Dog Show proved a massive hit. However the highlight for many was the Wheelyboat Trust which gave free trips for the disabled. This was part of our special effort to welcome people in wheelchairs. Many used the lifts on two of our three tripboats. Last, but by no means least, our Work Party were grafting on the new lock.
We were surprised and delighted to find that Richard Parry, the new Chief Executive of the Canal & River Trust had decided to pay us a visit. He seemed impressed that we could run such a large and complicated event under our own steam. More than 100 Chesterfield Canal Trust members volunteered to help.
Below is a selection of images of the Festival. This will grow and alter over the next few days as more arrive.
Click here for a video from the Babbling Vagabonds.
We owe a debt of thanks to many organisations for helping us, but principally to Markham Vale which sponsored our Arts Activities and to A&S Dog Training which organised the Fun Dog Show.
Our tripboats Seth Ellis (above) and Hugh Henshall (below) were very busy.
The John Varley passes the Wheelyboat.
Sometimes it got a bit busy.
There were lots of colourful stalls and food vendors.
Carlo the Clown was up to his tricks …..
….. and the Babbling Vagabonds were using their Wonderful Trunk of Fancy Fun.
Entertainment in the marquee included Grassoline, Albert’s Skiffle Band and Dave Pepper ….
(Photo © David Probert)
….. and a concert by the Swing Commanders on Saturday night.
Outside entertainment included Black Pig Border Morris (above), Whip the Cat (left below) and the Woodhouse Prize Band (right below).
The Raptor Foundation flying displays are always popular, but you can also get up close.
Fun for children included bungee trampolines and a miniature train ride.
The Rain Rescue pooch was collecting. (Photo © David Probert)
Our local PCSOs seemed interested in the American cop car.
Pleasley Vale Canoe Club organised the watersports ….
….. whilst the Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service Water Rescue Unit did a display in the basin.
Sometimes it was good to just sit back and watch. (Photo © David Probert)
Some people went for a free trip to the Barrow Hill Open Days on a vintage bus.
(Photo © Eric Murphy)
Through all the fun, our Volunteer Work Party was laying blocks in the new lock.
The photos below are behind the scenes shots.
On Thursday, we craned in the Hugh Henshall and Seth Ellis. You can see the marquee going up in the distance.
The marquee under construction and in use.
7 a.m. on Sunday morning.
Seth Ellis being craned out on Tuesday.
Our final thought must go to our members who volunteered to make this magnificent event possible.
Thank you to them, one and all.