Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust are busy preparing for their Heritage Gathering call and vintage festival which is coming up over the weekend of 21-22nd September 2019, and takes place at their Huddlesford base, near Lichfield.

A wonderful day out in store for all! Image from Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust.

There will be boats, vintage and classic vehicles, stalls, food, displays and all the usual fun and games. This is a great show and previous years have been excellent, and well worth the visit.

I had a great time at the last of these biennial events in 2017, and I’m looking forward to this one immensely. You can see a gallery of images from 2017s event at the foot of this post.

All funds raised will help support the canal restoration project, whose volunteers are currently beavering away on the route of the lost line between Barracks Lane, Ogley Hay and The Boat restaurant, on the Lichfield Road at Summerhill, opening the route for walkers, as well as the more general restoration work to restore the old canal, particularly at Borrowcop on the A51 at Lichfield and near Fosseway between Lichfield and Wall.

If you’re into history, canals, vintage transport and craft, keep that weekend free!

The Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust said:

Weekend of Entertainment at Heritage Gathering

Huddlesford Heritage Gathering promises to be bigger and better than ever this year.

More than 6,000 people came to the biennial event in 2017 and with new attractions and the return of old favourites, this year’s Gathering, on September 21-22, really does have something for everyone.

Organised jointly by Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust and Lichfield Cruising Club, the Gathering features historic boats, floating traders, private boats and classic vehicles, with exhibitors and displays on the field.

With music, entertainment, food and bar all day, the Gathering, held at Lichfield Cruising Club, Huddlesford, Lichfield WS13 8PY, is open to visitors from 10am to 5pm on both days.

Entry is £5 with free parking.

The Gathering’s mini music festival includes the chance for aspiring dancers with the Reel Hot Ceilidh Peppers, playing lively barn dance and ceilidh music, and Beggars Oak, who perform clog and Morris dancing.

Talented 17-year-old Lichfield singer Amelia Harrison, Wildfire Folk and Lighthouse Company are among the other local musical acts on the main stage, while there is also a slot on Buskers Corner for amateur or professional performers hoping to impress the crowds.

The Saturday night evening entertainment will be provided by BBC Radio2 Young Folk Award nominees Granny’s Attic and a pig roast will be available before the music starts. Tickets priced £15 must be purchased separately for this event.

The fully booked classic car spaces include Lotus, Jaguar, Triumph and MG enthusiasts, while floating traders offer everything from cheese and chutneys to traditional narrowboat art.

There is still room for exhibitors and land traders, and the Gathering offers excellent sponsorship opportunities for potential corporate partners.

For more information, visit the event website by clicking here.

For more information about the restoration and trust generally, visit the Trust website here.

You can keep in touch with the Trust on Twitter as @LHCRT1, on Facebook or on their website.