Crick Boat Show rained off

THROUGHOUT the country events staged on the waterways yesterday (Sunday) proved a washout, with reports of very poor attendances as the constant rain kept people away.

It was not only the weather, but the one-off Queen's Jubilee Pageant on the Thames persuaded many to stay either at home or in their boats to see it on television, with Crick Boat Show, now styled as the 'No 1 Boat Show',  deserted during the whole day.

Closed early

Even the large screen erected to show the pageant attracted few brave souls, with the whole show virtually closed two hours early as exhibitors called it a day and packed up.

With the public holiday the show had been extended to four days, but it has been proved time and time again by various types of events that all an extra day does is spread the same number of people over more days, that was shown by the less than normal attendance on the Saturday.

Bring in the crowds

Today (Monday) good weather is forecast for the morning, but alas the Met Office shows more rain later but could bring in early crowds, yet the downturn in boating and the entry fee of £12 for an adult plus £7 for children is not a great incentive, and the Tuesday forecast is somewhat hit and miss.

Alas, it seems very likely that the claim '30,000 people are expected to attend this year' (as against the more normal 20,000) will be very much wishful thinking.

Update: We learn that the following two days were much better, and the expected people materialised.