Canal and River Trust's Steam at the Lift 'most successful to date'

Around three dozen steam-powered narrowboats, launches, steamrollers, wagons, traction engines, and miniature engines assembled at the Anderton Boat Lift on Saturday and Sunday, May 11 and 12, for Steam at the Lift.

The Canal and River Trust’s flagship festival in Northwich included, possibly for the first time in history, a flotilla of steamboats, which mustered up in Northwich town centre at 10am on Saturday and chugged its way up the Weaver to Anderton, where it remained on display the whole weekend.

A vintage steam-powered tarmac wagon at the Anderton Boat Lift for Steam at the Lift 2024 (Image: C&RT)

Historic steam vessel, The Daniel Adamson, hosted a real ale festival onboard with a range of beers from three award-winning local breweries, and food was provided in the form of a barbeque by staff and volunteers from C&RT.

Boat trips along the Weaver proved as popular as ever, as well as guided walking tours of the historic 19th century boat lift itself.

The green traction engine was registered to Cornwall County Council in 1903 (Image: C&RT)

C&RT described the event as ‘an incredible weekend’ and ‘the most successful steam event held at the boat lift to date’, adding: “We had a record number of visitors over the weekend, and the sun held out for us too, which was an extra bonus.

“Thank you to everyone who came down this weekend and supported the event. Without you guys, it wouldn’t have been possible.

The Columbine was once a Royal Navy vessel, in the service of the Admiralty (Image: C&RT)

“Also a huge thanks also to all of our amazing staff and volunteers who all worked so hard on the hottest weekend so far this year. You’re all incredible.

“And huge thanks also to all of the engine and vintage steamboat owners for coming down this weekend and putting on such a fantastic display.

Historic steam ship, the Daniel Adamson, kept the festival spirit alive by hosting an onboard real ale festival with beers from three local breweries (Image: C&RT)

“We’re also very grateful to the Daniel Adamson, a 1903 steam ship with an incredible story, for coming down and hosting a real ale festival on board and supporting us."

There’s much more to come from C&RT as the summer progresses.  

Its spokesman added: “It’s now time to start preparing for our next event, the Pirate Weekender, on Saturday and Sunday, August 10 and 11.”

“There’ll be cannon displays, treasure hunts, a pirate parade, mee the mermaid, themed boat trips, and much more.”