Celebrate the county waterways

4:28pm Thursday 8th May 2008

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CHESHIRE'S waterways will play host to a unique floating floral pageant this summer as part of the county's Year of the Garden festival.

Decorated canal boats will set sail from the four main compass points of the county, converging on Middlewich for the folk and boat festival, which starts on Friday, June 13.

Our canals have the capacity to excite and engage with people in all walks of life, whether on the water or along their towpaths.

Susan Lewis, Wales and Border Counties business development manager

The vessels will negotiate 324 bridges, tunnels and aqueducts along the two waterways before congregating at the festival on Saturday, June 14.

The flotilla will effectively form a floating garden, decorated with flowers and plants, bringing a vivid aquatic dimension to Year of the Garden.

Societies are set to support the floating parade while private vessels are encouraged to participate, highlighting the sense of community among those who cruise and live along the waterways of Cheshire.

Susan Lewis, Wales and Border Counties business development manager, said: "Our canals have the capacity to excite and engage with people in all walks of life, whether on the water or along their towpaths.

"This contribution to Cheshire's Year of the Garden provides a truly vibrant showpiece which can be enjoyed by everyone."

For more information, visit waterscape.com.