10 pictures from the hugely popular Black Country Boating Festival where celebs joined 20,000 revellers

Surprise TV celebrities were among 20,000 people who flocked to the 40th anniversary of the Black Country Boating Festival in Dudley at the weekend.

Good weather made for a fabulous at Bumble Hole Local Nature Reserve, in Netherton, where comedian Joe Wilkinson of 8 Out of 10 Cats fame and former Premiership Rugby club Harlequins player Joe Marler were among the recognisable faces. The pair were on site for a BBC filming project.

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The popular community show saw huge crowds gather to admire heritage narrowboats, a 1980s night, floating markets, live music, real ale and craft cider stalls, a food village a boat judging competition, a fun fair, and a dog and a talent show at the Dudley Number Two Canal on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The event founded in 1986 was organised by Ross Harrison and Peter Brant ably assisted by around 30 volunteers.

Ross says: "All the volunteers are saying it's been an amazing weekend. We've have never seen anything like it. There were so many people which was absolutely fantastic. We think there was an estimated 20,000 turning up.

"There were historic boats on display and on the opening night on Friday we put on an 80s night which was hugely popular. It's the first time we've put on a theme night and it was due to this year being our 40th anniversary festival. The response was great. It's all down to the hard work out in the the volunteers. Considering the size of the festival, we only have a small team, but they did themselves proud."

Wilkinson and Marler became firm friends when they appeared on BBC Celebrity Traitors in the 2025 series.