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Canal Museum Turns 50: A Floating Festival Awaits!
3 Apr
Summary
- About 40 historical narrowboats and barges will gather for the museum's 50th anniversary.
- The museum, opened in 1976, is celebrating a year of events starting this weekend.
- The 100-year-old tar boat 'Gifford' is a star attraction, recently restored.
The National Waterways Museum in Ellesmere Port is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a significant gathering of historical vessels. Approximately 40 narrowboats and barges from across the UK are set to arrive, marking the beginning of a year-long series of events for the museum, which first opened its doors in 1976.
Organized by the Canal & River Trust charity, the celebration highlights the museum's crucial role in preserving maritime heritage and the vital impact of canals during Britain's Industrial Revolution. A centenarian tar boat named Gifford, meticulously restored and repainted, is a key feature of the festivities.
Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including boat trips, lock demonstrations, live music, and family workshops. The museum itself, a filming location for shows like Peaky Blinders, will offer tours, with heritage craft artist Phil Speight conducting painting demonstrations.
