Over the weekend of July 13^th/14^th 2002, this major event took place below Tapton Lock. Unusually for this summer, the weather was superb as the photos show. There were nearly thirty boats on the canal including two trip boats. As admission was free we don’t know how many attended, but we do know that over 3000 people passed through the Tapton Lock Visitor Centre, a small proportion of the total.

A special beer was brewed for the occasion and sold out by Saturday afternoon. More supplies had to be fetched in on a couple of occasions. The entertainment by Northern Frisk was excellent and pulled in a large crowd every time they performed.

Around the site, most of the traders appeared to be doing good business. The opportunity to walk through the Sea Otter boat was much appreciated by local people who had never seen a narrowboat before. And the steam roller and traction engine were a popular exhibits. To hear them whistling in competition with the paddle steamer on the canal was a great joy.

The trip boats were kept very busy all weekend and I think at times were almost overwhelmed. Also busy were the try canoeing and fishing events.

I think the visiting boaters enjoyed the weekend. Most I spoke to had explored the five miles on offer and were surprised how pretty it is. Many were also surprised by the volume of wildlife and especially the number of water voles: one commented that he had counted twenty-four.

The five miles and five locks from Chesterfield to Staveley are now well and truly open. If you want to bring your own boat or need further information, contact Tapton Lock Visitor Centre on 01246 551035.

Here are a selection of my photographic memories – I hope you enjoy them.

John Lower

1 John Varley and Norwood Packet trip boats were kept busy all weekend. 2 An unusual sight at Chesterfield – The Norwood Packet normally operates on the canal at Ranby but was specially brought to the festival by road. Inflatable entrants use the slipway.

3 The Norwood Packet approaches the new road bridge at Station Road, Brimington on one of its many trips. 4 A steam roller and traction engine were popular exhibits. Here the traction engine puts on a spectacular display as it ascends the steep ramp off the site.