Moira festival is back and better than ever

AFTER a gap of three years, the 20th Moira Canal Festival was held over the weekend of May 21-22 in the grounds of the Grade II-listed Moira Furnace, by the banks of the isolated, restored Ashby Canal in North West Leicestershire.

The headline act was the D Day Darlings, which, combined with a flypast of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Avro Lancaster, brought in the crowds, assisted by the good weather over both days.

Geoff Pursglove, a founder member of the organising committee, said: “There were a record number of people over the weekend and judging by the feedback it has been the best Moira Canal Festival so far. Not sure we can keep that up for next year!”

Twenty trailable boats attended, travelling from as far as Devon and Wales. Most of these entered the illuminated boat parade on the Saturday night. Other attractions included an excellent falconry display and the popular Mother Duck and the Moira Duck race.

Organised by a sub-committee of the Ashby Canal Trust, proceeds will go towards the maintenance of the restored length of the Ashby Canal at Moira and support of the further restoration of the Ashby Canal.

PHOTO: BERNARD SNELL Crowds gathered on the swing bridge following the fire service display where they waited for the duck race.

PHOTO: GEOFF PURSGLOVE Mother Duck and her duckling.

PHOTO: GEOFF PURSGLOVE The D Day Darlings on the stern of Geoff Pursglove’s Sea Otter, Waterloo Sunrise.

PHOTO: GEOFF PURSGLOVE The Wilderness boats organised a competition for the best scarecrow. This one looks a bit glum!