Boating parade to celebrate Birmingham’s canals ahead of 2022 Commonwealth Games

BOATERS from across the region are being invited to a spectacular parade to showcase Birmingham’s Canals.

The event is being held by the Canal & River Trust in association with Birmingham Canal Navigations Society (BCNS) and the Inland Waterways Association ( IWA) as part of the Birmingham 2022 Festival, celebrating the people, history and stories of our canals. This is an opportunity to celebrate the past and present – and showcase the variety of crafts, people and culture that make our modern canals so vibrant today. On Friday, June 24 boats will gather at a rally organised by BCNS at Smethwick Locks in GaltonValley, the location of two canals – the Old Main Line and New Line – where moorings will be available. On Saturday, June 25 boats will travel along to the city and form up between Roundhouse Birmingham and Icknield Port, before parading through the heart of the city to the Mailbox before returning to moor up for the night between Roundhouse Birmingham and Icknield Port.

The same will be done on the Sunday morning, giving an opportunity for a spectacular boating parade through the city.

For boaters who wish to play a part in the rally and parade, entry is free of charge.

Each boat that takes part in the parade will receiveacommemorative plaque – and boaters are requested to showcase and celebrate their crafts and the waterways in the most fun way possible!