Crick Boat Show: Know Before You Go

The Crick Boat Show, the largest inland waterways festival in the UK, opens at 10 am on Saturday. The show, which takes place annually during the late May Bank Holiday weekend, showcases the greatest display of new inland boats, including narrowboats and wide beams. It is organised by Waterways World magazine in collaboration with the Canal & River Trust and Crick Marina.

The Crick Boat Show is open from 10 am to 6 pm on Saturday

The Crick Boat Show is the largest inland waterways festival in the United Kingdom. It takes place annually at Crick Marina on the Grand Union Canal near Daventry in Northamptonshire over the late May Bank Holiday weekend.

The show is organised by Waterways World magazine in collaboration with the Canal & River Trust and Crick Marina. It is a popular destination for waterways enthusiasts, newcomers eager to get afloat for the first time, and those looking for a relaxing day on the water.

The show offers a great day out by the water for all the family, with a range of activities and entertainment. Visitors can take a free 30-minute trip on the Grand Union Canal, which runs every 10 minutes from 10:10 am each day. There are also boat handling sessions, activities for children, and favourite boats on display.

In addition, the show features a wide variety of exhibitors, with over 260 exhibitors showcasing the latest inland boats, boating equipment, and supplies. Whether you're looking to modify or upgrade your boat or simply enjoy a day out on the water, the Crick Boat Show has something for everyone.

Tickets can be bought at the gate or online

The Crick Boat Show is the largest inland waterways festival in the United Kingdom. It takes place annually over the late May Bank Holiday weekend. The show offers a great day out by the water for all the family and showcases 300 exhibitors from across the canal and inland waterways industry.

The show opens at 10 am and closes at 6 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets can be bought at the gate or online. The Ticket Office opens at 10 am each day. If you are buying tickets on the day or collecting advance tickets, this is when you can do so. Your ticket gives you access to the evening entertainment, which begins at 6 pm on Saturday and Sunday in the Crick Tavern marquee. The Ticket Office closes at 6 pm on Saturday and Sunday as well.

There is plenty of car parking at the Crick Boat Show, including disabled parking and facilities, and there is no charge for this.

If you wish to bring children on the Trade and Preview Day (Friday), they will need a ticket to enter the show. However, on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, children can enter free of charge.

There is free entry for children on Saturday, Sunday and Monday

The Crick Boat Show is the largest inland waterways festival in the United Kingdom. It takes place annually over the late May Bank Holiday weekend at Crick Marina on the Grand Union Canal near Daventry in Northamptonshire. The event showcases the greatest display of new inland boats, including narrowboats and wide beams, and is organised by Waterways World magazine in collaboration with the Canal & River Trust and Crick Marina.

The Crick Boat Show offers something for everyone, from boat enthusiasts looking to modify their vessels to newcomers eager for their first boating experience. The show also presents a range of attractions, such as boat handling sessions, children's activities, and the Canal & River Trust Marquee, where visitors can learn about the historic artefacts and ongoing conservation efforts of the Canal & River Trust.

In 2024, the Crick Boat Show took place from Saturday, 25th May, to Monday, 27th May, with a Trade & Preview Day on Friday, 24th May. The show hours were 10 am to 6 pm, with evening entertainment starting at 6 pm on Saturday and Sunday.

One of the highlights of the event is the free entry offered to children on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. This provision makes the Crick Boat Show an excellent value proposition for parents, grandparents, and carers, allowing families to enjoy a fun-filled day by the water without incurring additional costs for children's tickets. This initiative aligns with the show's aim to cater to all ages and create a memorable experience for visitors of all generations.

By offering free entry for children, the Crick Boat Show not only encourages family attendance but also fosters a sense of community and inclusivity. It recognises that boating and waterways are interests that can be shared and enjoyed by people of all ages, creating opportunities for intergenerational bonding and the passing down of maritime traditions. Moreover, with children's activities available at the show, such as inflatables and canal arts, it becomes a fun and educational experience for young visitors, sparking their curiosity and fostering a connection to the waterways from an early age.

The Ticket Office opens at 10 am each day

The Crick Boat Show is the largest inland waterways festival in the United Kingdom. It takes place annually at Crick Marina on the Grand Union Canal near Daventry in Northamptonshire over the late May Bank Holiday weekend. The event features a wide range of attractions, including boat handling sessions, children's activities, live music, and a real ale and cider festival.

The show is organised by Waterways World magazine in collaboration with the Canal & River Trust and Crick Marina. It showcases the greatest display of new inland boats, both narrowboats and wide beams, and offers a variety of boating equipment and supplies from over 260 exhibitors.

• The Ticket Office is the place to go if you are buying tickets on the day or collecting advance tickets. It opens promptly at 10 am each day of the show.
• Your ticket provides access to a variety of attractions and evening entertainment. The evening entertainment begins at 6 pm on Saturday and Sunday in the Crick Tavern marquee and is included in the price of your ticket.
• The show offers a range of food options, such as fish and chips, farmer's grill, baguettes, paninis, Indian cuisine, pizza, and more. There is something for everyone to enjoy throughout the day.
• There is free entry for children on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. However, there is no free entry for children on the Trade and Preview Day, so tickets are required if you plan to bring children on this day.
• The show provides a dedicated Moorings tent where visitors can learn about different marina options and mooring types. It's a great opportunity to explore potential new home locations or learn more about the EXPLORE 100 benefit, which offers 100 free stopovers at other marinas.
• Crick Boat Show also features historical boats on display, owned by members of the Historic Narrow Boat Club. It's a unique opportunity to learn about the working heritage of UK canals and explore beautifully restored vessels.
• The show offers a one-day intensive course aimed at aspiring boat owners. This course provides valuable insights into boat ownership, design considerations, essential maintenance, and practical tips for life on the water.
• There is plenty of car parking available, including disabled parking and facilities, and there is no charge for parking.
• The show offers a relaxing and enjoyable experience for waterways enthusiasts, newcomers to boating, and those seeking a fun day out on the water.

The show is held annually over the late May Bank Holiday weekend

The Crick Boat Show is held annually over the late May Bank Holiday weekend. The show is the largest inland waterways festival in the United Kingdom, taking place at Crick Marina on the Grand Union Canal near Daventry in Northamptonshire.

The 2024 Crick Boat Show took place from Saturday 27 May to Monday 29 May, with a Trade and Preview Day on the Friday before. The 2025 show will be held from Friday 23 May to Monday 26 May, with the Trade and Preview Day on Friday 23 May.

The Crick Boat Show has something for everyone, from waterways enthusiasts to newcomers eager to get afloat for the first time. The show features the largest display of new inland boats, with over 260 exhibitors showcasing the latest in inland boating equipment and supplies. Visitors can also take part in boat handling sessions, explore the Canal & River Trust Marquee, and enjoy a variety of entertainment options, including live music and a Real Ale and Cider Festival.

In addition to the boats and exhibitors, the Crick Boat Show offers a range of activities and attractions for all ages. There are boat trips along the Grand Union Canal, operated by LNBP Community Boating, as well as children's activities such as inflatables in the Children's Area of the Show Village. The show also features a variety of food options, including fish and chips, pizza, and doughnuts.

Frequently asked questions