Shropshire Star

Market Drayton festival throwing lifeline to RNLI

Final preparations are being made at a marina on the Shropshire Union Canal for an annual charity event which returns next week.

Published
Joe Hoyles (Chairman of Audlem Lass Boat Service) and Rodney Cottrell (Chairman of Crew Nantwich and South Cheshire RNLI Life Boats)

For a number of years Overwater Marina, near Market Drayton, has been hosting a festival weekend to raise even more funds for the RNLI.

This year the event will take place over the weekend of September 9 and 10, with all profits going towards the new Shannon-class lifeboat which will help the volunteer crew at Lytham St Annes in Lancaster.

The weekend will begin with the Boatshare4U Boatshow, providing information and boat viewings on a range of shared ownership boats.

Saturday evening sees a music event of live entertainment provided by ABBA Re-Bjorn with a licensed bar, BBQ and refreshments. And on the Sunday at 11am veterinarian and television personality Steve Leonard hosts the dog show.

This year people will also be able to try out hobby horse racing. The day will be rounded off with a donkey derby with nine races in all; four races ridden by youngsters, four races featuring chariots driven by adults, with a grand finale to determine the charioteer of the day.

Throughout the day on Sunday there will be entertainment, demonstrations, retail stalls inside the main marquee and at outside gazebos, as well as refreshments and a licensed bar.

Entertained

Plus there will be a host of other activities to keep children entertained including donkey rides and face painting.

The 2017 Boat Share Show runs from 10am to 5pm on the Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday. Admission is free.

The Audlem Lass will be providing its boat service between Overwater Marine and the village of Audlem.

Admission to the Saturday evening concert is by ticket only. They can be bought from Audlem Cyclesport, Overwater Marina office, Nantwich Civic Centre, and at www.nantwichtowncouncil.gov.uk.