Crick Show 2003 'most successful ever'

This year's Crick Boat Show which ran from 24-26 May has been hailed as the most successful yet by its organisers having attracted a record attendance.

The three-day inland waterway and country show, organised by British Waterways in association with The Waterways Trust, was attended by a record number of visitors. Over 27,000 boating enthusiasts, families and day-trippers attended the show, topping last year's figure by close to 5,000.

Set in the heart of the Northamptonshire countryside and built around scenic Crick Marina, Crick Boat Show looks set to become a key listing in national events calendars.

The theme of the show, 'How They Used to Live', was very well received. Hundreds of visitors climbed aboard working heritage boats Atlas, Leo, Ferret and Sculptor to find out what life was like for the working boat people and actors from 'Harry's Cut' stepped out of the 1950's to demonstrate life on the boats and enjoyed equally large and enthusiastic crowds.

More families visited this year and came from further afield to enjoy the boat displays, craft and trade stalls and entertainment on offer. Children's activities proved very popular with over 1,000 youngsters taking part on Saturday alone - equal to three days worth of participation last year.

Christine Styles, show director, said: "It's great to see the show appeal to such a diverse audience; there really was something for everyone this year, whether boater, enthusiast or local day-tripper. There were lots of happy customers enjoying the weekend and we've already been contacted by exhibitors trying to book for next year's show."