Canal crisis won’t stop Lichfield’s Huddlesford Heritage Gathering
Huddlesford Heritage Gathering – the only canal festival in Lichfield – is set to take place on September-21 20, promising a lively weekend of classic cars, music, food, family fun, and a wide range of craft and trade stalls.
Despite ongoing water shortages affecting the UK canal network, a number of narrowboats are still expected to attend, with more ready to join if canal levels improve.
Organised by Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust (LHCRT) and Lichfield Cruising Club, the canal-side event celebrates canal heritage, community spirit, and raises vital funds for the restoration of the Lichfield Canal.
Visitors can enjoy heritage displays, live music, children’s activities, and a tempting choice of food vendors. Volunteers will be on hand to share stories, answer questions, and showcase LHCRT’s progress in reconnecting the Lichfield Canal from Brownhills to Huddlesford.
Christine Howles, LHCRT’s Communications & Marketing Trustee, said: “We’re thrilled to be back at Huddlesford and looking forward to a great weekend.
“It’s been quite a challenge, with the uncertainty of water levels and the Coventry Canal closed at Fradley and Glascote, but the canal spirit is stronger than ever.
“We have boats waiting to reach us if the canal reopens, and even if they don’t make it, we’ve got a huge array of attractions to keep everyone entertained. And yes—there will still be boats to admire!
“The irony is that once the Lichfield Canal is completed, it will help bring more water down the network to supply the canal at Huddlesford, showing just how important our restoration work is. Please come along, enjoy the weekend, and support LHCRT’s work.”
The Gathering runs from 10am to 5pm on 20–21 September at Lichfield Cruising Club, Cappers Lane, Whittington, Lichfield, WS14 9JW, with free parking and special free admission (for this year only). The site is accessible for wheelchairs and buggies, and dogs are welcome but must be kept on leads.
For full details of attractions and day-by-day schedules visit: heritagegathering.uk.
