Boat festival makes a big splash

One of the lit-up narrowboats moored on the Llangollen Canal.

Ellesmere's boat festival was expected to attract a large number of visitors today after it kicked off in style with a successful launch night.

People were scattered around Ellesmere last night for a concert and firework display to mark the start of the 19th festival, which is organised by the Shropshire Union Canal Society. The rest of the weekend will see hundreds of visitors enjoying the town and special events.

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The festival includes a concert, a church service and charity and commercial market stalls. It will end with a prize-giving ceremony for boaters tomorrow.

Organiser Paul Mills said the launch was a huge success, with more than 100 boats moored in the town for the festivities.

"Last night was brilliant, people were scattered all round the fields, all round the road, everywhere. There were a lot of people, as well as those on the towpath," he said.

"It was a brilliant firework display, as usual, and the Shrewsbury Concert Band had a good turnout and there were a lot of illuminated boats last night, probably more than ever."

Stalls will feature health foods and energy products and one run by the Shropshire Wildlife Trust. A sold-out hog roast takes place tonight, along with a concert by the Wychcraft Big Band.

Mr Mills said boaters were getting their boats ready for the festival competition tomorrow, and many entrants had dressed as cartoon characters, this year's theme.

He said: "The sun is beating down here at the moment and the sky is crystal clear, and you can't move for boats in Ellesmere."

The event costs the Shropshire Union Canal Society about £8,000 to stage.

Hundreds of visitors are also expected in Whitchurch next weekend for the Whitchurch Waterway Trust's annual boat rally.

The event will take place along the Whitchurch section of the Llangollen canal at Chemistry. Visitors will be able to see more than 20 decorated boats.

By Abigail Bates

A view of narrowboats earlier in the day.

Fireworks light up the sky at the Ellesmere Boat Festival.

Members of the Shrewsbury Concert Band.

There was a good turnout for the band.

The music proved popular on the night.

John Hulme moored up for the festival on his narrowboat Bilbo Baggins.