The Canal & River Trust is inviting people to go behind-the-scenes of Cheshire’s historic Cathedral of Canals.
It will represent a unique opportunity to see Anderton Boat Lift at a special free open weekend on Saturday, February 26 and Sunday, February 27.
Visitors will be given unique access and insight into the Victorian boat lift’s complex mechanism, including a chance to view work to replace the gate seals on one of the caissons - the giant tanks which transport boats up and down the lift.
Visitors will be able to choose from a range of activities, including Let’s Fish angling taster sessions, Let’s Paddle canoeing, walking tours, children’s Lego and a chance to get a stunning bird’s eye view from the top of the lift.
This open weekend marks the start of a special celebration year for Anderton Boat Lift, which was reopened 20 years ago after a major restoration.
Daniel Greenhalgh, North West director with the Canal & River Trust, said: "We are delighted to host two special behind-the-scenes open days at Anderton this February – our first in the region since the Covid pandemic.
"They will provide visitors with a chance to get close and personal to the lift in a way that is not possible on a normal boat trip.
"During the tour, we will also be sharing news of a major refurbishment.
"The black iron structure needs repainting, the control system upgrading and the hydraulic ram cylinders, which support the two caissons, potentially need remedial work.
"The Trust is awaiting specialist engineering reports to guide exactly what needs to be done, in the least obtrusive way.
"Work on the project is likely to start in the winter of 2023/24 and could take up to three years to deliver.
"It is an exciting period for the lift and the Trust is currently working with the National Lottery Heritage Fund on a major funding bid to potentially cover some of the significant investment needed to preserve Britain’s first boat lift as a living, operational structure."
Entrance to the Anderton Boat Lift open day, visitor centre and café are free but certain activities, like Let’s Fish and Let’s Paddle taster sessions, need to be booked in advance.
Booking opens on February 7.
For more information, please go to canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/events/2022-02-26-open-day-at-anderton-boat-lift
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