Midlands Canal Festival, Mercia Marine

Sat, 3 Jul 2010 - Sun, 4 Jul 2010

Floods of visitors expected at new Midlands canal festival
Mercia Marina, in Willington, South Derbyshire is hosting a free festival next week following the huge success of its inaugural open days last year.
The event, which takes place on Saturday (July 3) and Sunday (July 4), includes live music, barbecue and hog roast, boat trips, canal crafts, big wheel, fireworks display and other entertainment. Everyone is welcome.
Last year?s event attracted 10,000 visitors over two days, which has spurred the marina owners into creating a new annual canal festival for the benefit of boaters and non-boaters alike.
This year is particularly special as the festival includes the launch of a small 18-unit holiday lodge development on the edge of the marina, and visitors will be invited to view the show home.
Boat enthusiasts will also be able to visit the marina?s new 4,000 sq ft chandlery superstore, run by Midland Chandlers, which is offering a 15 per cent discount on all purchases over the weekend.
Robert Neff, general manager of Mercia Marina, said: ?We usually pride ourselves at Mercia Marina on being a haven of peace and tranquillity.
?But this annual festival gives us all a chance to have some fun as well as enabling us to show everyone the great things we?ve done with the site for the benefit of our users, the environment and the local community.
?We were amazed at the response to our first open days last year, and this year we?re anticipating even more visitors.?
He added: ?One of the highlights for many this year will be the launch of our new holiday lodges. We?ve already received a lot of interest, both from boat owners and people looking for a peaceful holiday retreat.?
Mercia Marina, one of the largest inland marinas in Europe, is offering half-price berths to visiting boaters for the duration of the festival weekend as long as they book in advance on 01283 703332. Car parking is also available for £1.
The festival is open between noon and 10pm on Saturday, July 3 and from noon until 6pm on Sunday, July 4. Fireworks are on Saturday night only.
For further information and directions, visit www.merciamarina.co.uk.