Free summer open day at Perry Barr Locks
Waterways charity Canal & River Trust is inviting the public to a behind-the-scenes visit to the Perry Barr flight of locks on the historic Tame Valley Canal, offering a chance to explore the fascinating history and engineering of one of Birmingham’s iconic canals.
The open day is on Saturday 12 July at Lock 7 from 10am to 3:30pm. Visitors will enjoy exclusive access to a viewing platform above Lock 7, with a rare opportunity to see inside the drained chamber, observe the repair work on various parts of the lock — including the gates and ladders — and chat with engineers and volunteers about how the Trust is bringing this historic structure back to life.
Visitors can also immerse themselves in a traditional canal art workshop, where they’ll learn the time-honoured craft of decorative ‘Roses & Castles’ painting, or take to the water and explore the canal firsthand aboard a stable and family-friendly bell boat.
Forming part of the Birmingham Canal Navigations, the Tame Valley Canal runs for eight and a half miles from Tame Valley Junction to Perry Barr Bottom Lock. Compared with earlier canals, the Tame Valley is relatively sophisticated – with bold engineering, brick-lined banks and twin towpaths the canal is largely hidden from its built-up surroundings by high embankments and deep cuttings.
Amat Saeed, from Canal & River Trust, said: “This is a great opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at the craftsmanship and history that keep our waterways running. We’re excited to welcome the community to explore these impressive 19th-century structures and learn about the vital role they continue to play.
“Whether you're a history lover, engineering enthusiast, or just curious about what’s beneath the surface – don’t miss this behind-the-scenes look at Birmingham's waterways.”
To book your free place visit Tame Valley Canal Lock Open Day Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite. The open day is suitable for all ages. Sensible footwear is advised due to uneven terrain on site.
The address of the open day is: 525A Walsall Road, Perry Barr, Birmingham B42 2LZ. Visitors are encouraged to travel to the open day using public transport.
To reserve your spot on a bell boating experience visit eventbrite.co.uk/e/lets-paddle-bell-boating-session-tickets-1424639658569
To book a place on the canal art workshop visit eventbrite.co.uk/e/rose-and-castle-traditional-canal-art-workshop-15pp-tickets-1424590912769 The cost of this workshop is £15 per person.
For more information on the work of Canal & River Trust including how you can donate money of volunteer with us visit canalrivertrust.org.uk
