HOT off heels of a major tourism accolade, the Anderton Boat Lift is preparing to light up the sky with its musical firework display.

Thursday, September 13, saw the famous boat lift scoop ‘Large Visitor Attraction of the Year’ in Marketing Cheshire’s Annual Tourism Awards.

Owned by the Canal and River Trust, it’s the world’s first successful boat lift and a celebrated example of Victorian engineering. More than 120,000 people flock to the attraction each year.

Timothy Turner, general manager, said: “I am delighted that the hard work and commitment of staff and volunteers has been recognised in this sought-after award.

“The Lift has had a successful year and this is not just down to the friendly welcome and excellent customer service we offer.

“Every year, we add different activities to our exciting programme of existing events - for instance in 2018 we held a new 10K Trail Run, a Civil War Weekend, a 1940s Weekend and we have successfully expanded our upmarket afternoon teas in the Lift View Marquee.

“This encourages new visitors and gives a reason for existing customers to keep coming back.”

Celebrating the award in style, one of Cheshire’s finest firework displays is set to light up the sky above the lift on Saturday, October 27.

Blitz Fireworks will head up the display against the backdrop of the River Weaver.

Gates open at 6.30pm on the night, with family fun to include a number of exciting fairground rides as well as access to the £50,000 themed play area.

Children can also buy a series of glow-in-the-dark toys and gadgets, with entertainment including a live vocalist as well as food and a fully-licensed bar.

Pre-booked tickets cost just £7 for adults, £6 for concessions, £5 for children and £20 for a family. Children under three go free but will still require a ticket.

Graham Wood, duty manager at Anderton Boat Lift, called it an ‘unforgettable event for all the the family’.

He said: “The Lift’s musical firework spectacular is the highlight of the Lift’s calendar and is known throughout the region because it is quite unlike any other display. The fireworks reflect in the water because they are set off from floating pontoons and there is a wonderful interplay of music and sound.”