IWA National Festival

The Inland Waterways Association’s 2008 National Festival is shaping up to be hugely popular with over 300 visiting boats, some of which are heritage 'working' boats, booked to attend.

The festival, also known as the Black Country Waterways Festival, takes place over August bank holiday and will be held at Autherley Junction. This is where the Shropshire Union Canal joins the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal, on the outskirts of Wolverhampton.

The land alongside the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal has been surveyed and it has now been confirmed that water voles are residing there. These spaces will no longer be used for fear of disrupting these animals, and so the available moorings have now been allocated.

Boat owners who have not already booked their space at the festival will have to join a waiting list as current moorings are now full.

The festival looks set to be a great day out for the whole family with a variety of activities on offer, from arts and crafts to novelty stands.

There also promises to be some great entertainment for football fanatics too, with Wolverhampton Wanderers FC in attendance at various times throughout the weekend. Sports Connections of Peterborough will be providing great football activities for visitors, one of which will be their Penalty Speed Challenge. With a giant, inflatable goal, hi-tech radar equipment and digital screen, amateur footballers of all ages can try and beat the professionals. On the Sunday and Monday, Sports Connections will also be bringing along world-class Ball Jugglers (as seen on television) to give live demonstrations of their skills throughout the day.

To complete the football theme, on Sunday evening there will be an illuminated boat parade, with jazz band, on the canals adjacent to the site. The theme will be “football crazy”, so this will be a great free show for everyone.

For the sailing fanatic there will be brand new boats on display, but also the opportunity for shoppers to grab a bargain at the clothing and jewellery stalls. There will be something for every member of the family and children won’t fail to be entertained by the Victorian funfair, or the innovative new Wild Over Waterways activity passport.

Taking part in this many activities can be thirsty work though, so when in need of some relaxation wander over to the bar, which is stocked with over 50 real ales. Or have a nibble on some of the fantastic speciality foods on offer when you get hungry.

There is even the chance to win a fabulous holiday on a barge if you book in advance. The festival is run entirely by volunteers and any extra money raised will go towards waterway restoration projects, so visitors can help support their local waterways whilst enjoying a fun day out. Festival organisers are still looking for volunteers to help out so call 0870 240 2438 for more details.

Accompanied children under 16 get in free.