Superslow Way's canal celebration
Published Tuesday 18 October 2016 at 13:58
Preparations are underway for a spectacular celebration tomorrow (October 19) to mark the 200th anniversary of the completion of the Leeds to Liverpool canal that turned Blackburn into a major industrial town.
Dignitaries from across the North West including the Lord Lieutenants of Lancashire and West Yorkshire and mayors from Lancashire, will gather at Eanam Wharf for the event, joined by the National Children’s Orchestra and the Duke of Lancaster regiment band to commemorate the 1816 opening.
They will welcome a flotilla of boats led by the Leeds and Liverpool Canal Society’s museum boat, the Kennet, that will travel from Leeds to Blackburn and arrive as the bells of Blackburn Cathedral, St James’ Church and St Jude’s Church ring out across the town.
School children from local primary schools will dress for the occasion in red and white and will line the route, while the visiting Bethany Choir from Tanzania,East Africa, will perform.
The historical Kennet will lead the procession
The event starting at 2.30pm, has been organised by The Eanam Wharf Experience Trust, set up to turn Eanam Wharf into a visitor’s attraction.
The Trust which is a partnership between local businessman Graham Vernon, who runs dance and performing arts school DAPA and Blackburn with Darwen Council will also open a heritage and visitor centre on the day.
More information about the Eanam Wharf Experience