Local MP Maggie Throup has praised the work of the Inland Waterways Association’s (IWA) during the 2017 Festival of Water, which was staged along a stretch of the Erewash Canal.
The Festival, which took place over the Bank Holiday weekend, was billed by the IWA as an opportunity to encourage more boaters to use the Erewash Canal.
It was anticipated that about 15,000 people would attend the event, which was centred around Ilkeston’s Gallows Inn Playing Fields, with around 120 narrow boats and trail boats moored up along the 12-mile stretch of the canal.
Commenting on the event Maggie said:
“As one of only three Parliamentary Constituencies in the country to be named after a river, and perhaps the only one to be named after both a river and a canal, it is fitting that Erewash has played host to this fantastic festival over the bank holiday weekend.
“The Erewash canal is a hidden gem that runs through the heart of our community, and whilst it is well used by local residents, it perhaps does not attract as many boaters, walkers or cyclists from outside the area as it should.
“I am therefore delighted that so many people have attended this year’s festival and would like to thank the Inland Waterways Association for organising a real showcase of what Erewash has to offer.
“My message to all those who attended over the weekend is simple, come back soon!”