Show or no-show?

■ I was keen to go to Liverpool for the Northern Boat Show. I went last year and I found it friendly and more accessible that the Southampton or London events. This year’s show promised to be better, with many interesting yachts to be exhibited.

When I got there, there were no sailing vessels on the water apart from the Post Boat from Character Boats and one mastless yacht. The only motorboats were those with no significant superstructure: all the others had pulled out. It was explained to me that the Canal & River Trust had denied the show the use of Albert Dock for the exhibition of vessels: instead, they all had to be exhibited in Salthouse Dock. Access from Albert Dock is via a fixed low bridge, so none could get through. This made for a very disappointing show. I do not see how this event can survive without the positive support of the CRT. ■ CRT waterway manager Chantelle Seaborn replies: We’re sorry you found the show disappointing. I can assure you that it has the full support of the CRT, and I am sure the festival organisers will take on board the request for sailing vessels on the water. The event director has written to say what a success the event was: in his words, ‘the Northern Boat Show made a quantum leap this year,’ including making the display of the boats in Salthouse Dock possible despite an ‘incredible logistics operation’. There was similar feedback from the event manager, who said this year’s festival was the best ever thanks to the team effort.

I understand the exhibitors will all be coming back next year for an even bigger and better show. I hope you will make another visit next June.