A MAJOR celebration of Britain’s waterways will be held in Worcester in 2020 to mark the 75th anniversary of the Inland Waterways Association (IWA).
IWA’s Festival of Water, held over the August Bank Holiday weekend (August 29-31, 2020) is expected to be one of the highlights of the celebrations.
The festival will be held in Perdiswell Park with all the visiting boats moored along the banks of the Worcester and Birmingham Canal, where it all began more than seven decades ago.
Back in August 1945, Robert Aickman and Tom Rolt met on the canal in Tardebigge to discuss the need for an organisation to speak for the inland waterways of the UK.
It was at this meeting the plans for IWA were developed and then nine months later, in early 1946, the IWA was officially formed.
“The city is proud to host the 2020 Festival of Water. The Worcester and Birmingham Canal is a fantastic asset, providing a haven for wildlife and an attractive route for walking, cycling and boating,” said Coun James Stanley, chair of the Communities Committee at Worcester City Council.
“This promises to be a fantastic family event for the whole community to enjoy – we look forward to welcoming boaters from across the UK to Worcester next year.”
Alongside the large gathering of boats, there will be a host of entertainment including music, food, drink, children’s activities, fairground rides and a chance to learn more about the benefits of the waterways across the country.
Jane Elwell, chair of the Events Committee at IWA said: “The Worcester and Birmingham Canal played an important role in the history of IWA and we think it’s a very fitting place to celebrate the start of our 75th anniversary year.
“Our Festival of Water at Perdiswell Park will not only look back at the past 75 years but also towards the future of the waterways.
Visit www.waterways.org.uk or call 01635 414567 or e-mail [email protected] for more.
