Narrow boats decked in colourful flags and bunting flocked to Tower Wharf, Chester for the first day of a 2 day Canal festival to celebrate the city’s canal heritage. The narrowboat, Jubilee belonging to the Inland Waterways Association, also attended the Festival, prior to embarking on a 12 month tour of the UK’s Waterways.

The Canal festival, held near to the historic Telford’s Warehouse, featured decorated narrow boats, an appearance by the Chester Giants, face painting, mask making, balloon modelling and guided tours of the historic canalside area.

There was also performances by the YMCA, Diva Integrated Theatre Group, the Makka-Satu drummers and independence at the Tower Wharf site and at Water Tower Gardens.

The Canal Festival spirit was then transferred to the other end of the Shropshire Union Canal for a second day’s Festival at the Ellesmere Port Boat Museum.

The Canal Festival vibe was captured perfectly by artist in residence Dai Owen whose unique sketches provide a permanent record of the day