THE 200th anniversary of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal is being celebrated with a ceremonial boat journey along the waterway from Leeds to Liverpool.
The historic short boat Kennet will start its journey on Saturday 15th October, creating the original ceremonial boat journey in October 1816, which lasted for five days, Alan Tilbury tells us.
Culmination
The journey this time will take nine days to reach Liverpool and will be the culmination of a year of festivities and celebrations.
Of the journey, organiser Harold Bond wants to make it something that many can get involved with, explaining:
"We are calling on heritage boats, boat clubs and boaters to create a flotilla of decorated boats to join Kennet along the way. We would love to see crowds lining the canal as we pass by.
Several mayors have already agreed to receive us and at least one brass band will be serenading us as we sail past. Kennet will be decked out in bunting to symbolise the two great shire county roses. It would be wonderful to be greeted by a sea of red and white as our procession sails along.
"Back in 1816, press reports state that the ceremonial first boat was greeted by peeling church bells, brass bands and cheering crowds, and canal barges were be-decked in flags and streamers. We would love to create that spirit of celebration and achievement again."