Easter Gathering at National Waterways Museum

19th April 2011

Categories: Modern History News

Preparations are gathering pace for the Easter Boat Gathering 2011 at the National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port.

Over fifty narrowboats from across the canal network are expected at the four day event, which runs from April 22 – 25. Many of the historic narrowboats will be meeting up in Chester on Thursday April 21 before travelling along the Shropshire Union Canal to the Museum on Friday morning.

And the traditional fun and games will be joined by a Sea Shanty festival and a performance from Mikron Theatre. Sea Shanty concerts are taking place on Saturday and Sunday evening and Mikron Theatre are performing on Monday afternoon – tickets for these events are available from the museum reception.

Other events across the festival include demonstrations of traditional crafts, lectures, book stalls, lock demonstrations, battle of the tugs, boaters games and children’s’ trails, crafts and films.

The Easter Boat Gathering is the biggest weekend in the museum’s calendar and the museum is looking forwards to welcoming hundreds of members of the public, who will be able to explore the collections and museum boats, as well as taking in the sights and sounds of the Gathering.

Visitors will be able to take part in some of the fantastic activities on offer, which are perfect for all the family. They can try their luck at the treasure hunt which will lead them around the museum’s fascinating collections and colourful visiting boats. There are also craft making workshops where you can try your hand at rope making, crochet, bonnet making and much more.

The museum archives will be open and waterways authors will be on hand to talk about the rich history.

Hungry visitors will appreciate the hog roast and two bars will be open with a selection of real ales.

For the full programme please visit www.nwm.org.uk