Waterways Festival -- Burton on Trent

This past weekend we spent 3 beautiful days at the Waterways Festival at Burton on Trent. For those of you who don't live in England river canals are making a huge resurgence amongst the population as a means of vacationing and living full time on the water. During the GeorgianVictorian Era there was a massive building of canal networks all over the Britain as a means of moving transportation from area to area. This was before the boom of freight trains. Back in Sept of 2010 I posted about a museum on the canals and the canal workers, you can go here to read it and learn more about locks:)

We had a wonderful time learning and exploring at the festival. The family now want to take a summer holiday on a narrow boat and explore the canals.

Going inside a narrow boat. This one was on the fair grounds they had over 300 boats parked in the canal, unfortunately all of those pictures turned out to dark:( even tho it was a beautiful 3 days, my camera settings must have been off:(





We took a tour inside, while small it is comparable to being inside a camper with some modern conveniences. The guide showing us this boat lives in the boat during the summer months.






They had radiators and heat stove -- lots of hidden storage throughout the boat.











Living room was big enough for a love seat or two slim chairs.







We were told that narrow boats are approx 6 feet wide on the inside and no longer than 60 feet. there are strict standards for these boats as some canals/locks can only manage the narrow boats and any boat that is wider is not allowed in the canal because they will get struck.

There were many activities for the kids to do to learn about the canals, life on a boat and the old way of life .
They learn about brick laying, which is what is used to build the locks.








Since we were there for 3 days we tried this activities every day. Here they are using a clay mixture and not cement for safety.



Every evening the volunteers took down the wall and the next day the children help to rebuild the wall.







Kids also learn knot making but again all my photos turned out to dark:( I bought a few books and cords and we are going to continue practicing at home:)

Also at the festival were several rides that the kids enjoyed.




















My husband doesn't want to know how much money went into these rides for 3 days;).







Lots of fun entertainment, various music shows

Dog show






Bike show







Fire fighter demonstration








Bobbies as they are known here. You don't see them with these hats much any more.









There was also a viking encampment and show which I will post about later this week:)








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