River Soar to host IWA’s 2009 National Festival

The IWA hopes to encourage boaters visiting the Festival to try the Erewash and Chesterfield canals and other lesser frequented waterways of the East Midlands. The Festival also intends to raise the profile and give support to waterway societies in the area, including the Derby, Cromford and Grantham canals all of which are currently under restoration.

A great day out for families

The National Festival brings hundreds of exhibitors and visiting boats as well as thousands of visitors to an area, offering a great day out for families as well as raising the profile of the waterways with local authorities and business communities. In 2007 the Festival was held in St Ives, Huntingdon and the local authority estimated that the event brought over a million pounds into the local economy as a result.

Announcing the location of the event, John Fletcher, IWA national chairman said: "I am delighted that we are able to announce the venue for the 2009 National festival at Red Hill on the River Soar. In choosing this location, we want to encourage visitors to explore and use the lesser frequented waterways of the East Midlands, such as the Erewash and Chesterfield canals. We also want to highlight the importance to the waterways movement of the waterway restoration projects in the area notably the Derby, Cromford and Grantham canals."

Put the East Midlands on the boating enthusiasts' map

Cllr Neil Clarke, Leader of Rushcliffe Borough Council said: "Our waterways attract local residents and bring tourists to the area which is a great boost for the rural economy. We are looking forward to welcoming this prestigious event to the area and know that it will put Rushcliffe and the East Midlands firmly on the tourism and boating enthusiasts' map."

Mark Ellard, Manager of the adjacent Red Hill Marina, which is helping to support the event, said: "I am delighted that the National Festival is coming to Red Hill. We think it will be one of the best Festivals ever as we have very good access to public transport, with a railway station right on the doorstep, a 30 minute, 24 hours a day, bus service to Nottingham as well as great road links with the M1 and the A50 close by, even East Midlands Airport is just a bus ride away."

The Festival launch meeting will be held in October, details to be arranged, when local people will be invited to hear more about the Event and how they can become involved.

Find out about 2008’s National Festival