COVENTRY MESSAGE BOARD

Dozens gather for music, food, craft stalls and boat trips to celebrate the steam boats coming to Coventry's Canal Basin



Coventry’s Annual Steam Rally took place today, with dozens of people attending the event at the Canal Basin.

One of the steam boats even had a Royal seal of approval.

Families, children and canal boat enthusiasts flocked to the canal where they were able to take a look at some of the vintage canal boats that were moored up alongside the boat which has had royalty aboard.

Hasty, a replica of a tunnel tug boat has been active for five years, and just two years ago, was invited to a VIP opening at a boat handling school in Stockton, when Princess Anne took a trip on the steam boat.

Andrew Roberts, owner of the Hasty, said it’s great to have an event in Coventry which brings everyone together.

“It’s really great to come to the canal basin where everyone can meet up, and show off their boats.

“Everyone knows everyone and it always proves so popular when people come down to an event like this.

“It is one big community, and this year it is extremely busy.

“We have only been on the water for five years, and doing this for three, but it proves so popular with everyone and they have such a good time with the entertainment, food and drink."

This year, the canal basin was brought to life with live music to keep everyone entertained, and even had a beer festival.

A stage was set up in the middle of the paved area for live acoustic sets to be played throughout the afternoon, while people strolled around, able to take a peek inside the canal boats.

Organisers set up craft stalls, a bouncy castle and there were art exhibitions and fashion shows from City College.

Exhibitors on the steam boats proudly showed off their vintage horns to the visitors, creating sound displays, impressing the crowds.

Visitors were able to catch a free shuttle bus from the transport museum, and the organisers had put on the special vintage Transport for Coventry double decker bus for them.

The steam boats had come from not just Coventry, but all over the country.

Andrew added: “We are from Coventry, and are based at Swan Lane Wharf, so to come to the Canal Basin centre and have everyone appreciate your boat is something we all love doing.

“It’s a fantastic day for the people of Coventry to see what is on their doorstep, and a great opportunity for them to know they can actually go on canal boat trips.”