Last weekend, I attended Canal Cavalcade. It was the 23rd year the event has taken place in London. Basically, canal boats from all around England gather in Little Venice in London for a waterside festival and deck their boats out in decorative flags and garlands. There’s music, morris dancers, food, crafts, parades and boating competitions. (Chucklefoot the one-man-band was a personal highlight for me!)
Ever since we lived in Stratford-upon-Avon where our flat backed right up against the canal, I’ve loved them. And then ever since falling in love with Prunella Scales and Timothy West’s show meant for geriatrics “Great Canal Journeys”, I’ve longed to travel around England’s canals. I’d even be willing to work a lock.
I was absolutely stunned by how amazing some people’s boats were on the inside. Beautiful! It was a very family-friendly environment; and even though the cider tent dominated the banks of the festival you still saw people of all ages roaming around. The sun was shining and it was the perfect time to be in Little Venice. The only drawback to the festival was that since the walkways are quite small, and the crowds large – it felt really, really crowded.
Have you ever traveled around by canal boat?
