Crowds float in for Ellesmere Canal Festival

Dozens of historical and decorated boats lined the Shropshire Union Canal during the three-day event which began on Friday.

Highlights included a rare chance to see the forge at the town's boatyard re-lit for a demonstrations by a blacksmith.

A sale of art at an exhibition by local people in the market hall helped to raise vital funds to help pay for next year's event.

Colourful and decorated narrowboats were moored on the canal all weekend, with some boaters in old-fashioned costumes.

Mayor of Ellesmere, Councillor Alan Clarke, said his highlight of the weekend was a live show by folk singers in a marquee at the town's boatyard.

He also judged some of the entries for best-decorated boats.

"The festival and rally were of the highest standard," he said. "We've been very fortunate with the weather for all our events this year and there was a constant flow of people coming into town every single day."

The boat rally, organised by the Shropshire Union Canal Society, also featured the oldest horse drawn fly boat in Shropshire, Saturn, as well as boats that helped to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

In honour of this year's royal celebrations, the theme was the royal family, past and present. There were also craft demonstrations, stalls, music and a dog show.