Thousands of visitors came to Huddlesford Junction over the weekend of 21st/22nd. Sept. for the biennial Huddlesford Heritage Gathering. The fine weather on the Saturday drew a massive crowd to enjoy the wide variety of things on offer.
Over 50 historic narrowboats, floating traders and private boats, and more than 100 classic cars and motorbikes were joined by a diverse range of other attractions and activities including Weird and Wonderful Wildlife, belly dancing, Search & Rescue Dogs, trike motorcycles, children’s art and craft activities. A veritable mini-music festival on the stage featuring a dozen bands was augmented by a number of acoustic buskers.
Sunday was a bit of a damp squib but nonetheless a large crowd was entertained indoors by a variety of music and dancing, while the rain wasn't quite the spoiler predicted.
The Gathering was officially opened by Lichfield City Mayor Councillor Mrs
Deborah Baker, who arrived on the Narrowboat Swift.
The Huddlesford Heritage Gathering is organised jointly with the Lichfield Cruising
Club. The organisers wish to say a big thank you to all those who worked so hard
to make the event such a success.
Facebook lit up with favorable comments -
"What a wonderful day out. New to boating do picked up some great ideas from
other boaters and of course ate great food and met lovely people"
"Had the most fabulous day yesterday. Thank you so much for organising such
a brilliant event. Such a pleasure to see so many historic narrowboats.
Date for the diary for 2021. Loved it".
"Thanks for a great event... Roll on 2021"
" Had a lovely day with you yesterday, big thank you to everyone who makes it
happen."
" Had a wonderful weekend. Thanks to all involved know only too well how much
effort is needed to put on such a show. Well done to everyone".
"Took my grandchildren for the first time this year and they thought it was
brilliant. See you next time"!
"Thanks for having us - Dr Geoff’s Folk had a lovely day "
"Despite the threat of rain today we managed to have a lovely morning, as
always fantastic event,thank you all who made the event happen
"As always ....great event, well organised, and a privalige to attend. CMBC look
forward to 2021 too. ;)
"thanks to everyone involved in putting on a great day. Superb atmosphere. We
all had a wonderful time. Particular thank you to all the organisers and
volunteers.
"The Alicats had fun singing today in the busking tent. ( Someone even put
money in Ken's hat!!!). Thanks to all the organisers & thank you to Mr Sunshine
for turning up !
"great day out, thanks"
"We had a fabulous day with you and we are proud to have been part of your
event."
Photos by Paul Marshall and Christine Howles
For more photos you can view our Gallery Page and our Facebook Photo Album.
