Whatever you are looking for from a family day out, you're sure to find something to keep every member of the family entertained at Crick Boat Show 2008!
Activities and Action
Aerostars Flying Display - Monday 2pm
Raise you eyes to the sky to see this breath taking display commencing with a series of full formation aerobatic figures. The display will also feature complex vertical aerobatics, opposition passes and figures. The four Yak 50 aircraft team will demonstrate aerobatics which are not matched by any other team in the UK or most probably the World – not to be missed!
Bell Boating
A perfect opportunity for children to get out on the water and try an exciting new activity! Bell boats are large tandem canoes, which are stable and safe but a lot of fun - just turn up at the marina and join in!
Boat Trips
To experience the Grand Union Canal take a free boat trip. All you have to do is turn up at the east side of the marina, and prepare yourself for an unforgettable waterways adventure.
Boaters Christian Fellowship Sunday Service
Will be holding a Sunday Christian witness worship and fellowship for the boating community on the waterways of Britain in the main entertainment marquee – Sunday at 11.00am, all welcome!
Dale’s Model Boats
Dale’s Model Boats exhibiting in the show village, don’t miss the opportunity to view these hand made static and radio controlled 1:12 and 1:72 scale model narrow boats.
Mercier Ferret Welfare and Rescue - Ferret Racing
Why not join Marcia Ferret welfare in the show village, and partake in a little ferret racing. Mercia provides homes for unwanted, abused and abandoned ferrets. Why not take advantage of this opportunity and be personally advised on looking after and adopting ferrets. (Saturday and Sunday)
Nuneaton Warwickshire Wildlife Sanctuary – Sunday
The sanctuary provides care, a haven and hope for sick and injured birds and animals, providing the best environment possible for recuperation and rehoming.
Their collection of needy, yet rewarding creatures is vast and varied and include Fred the friendly fox cub and Humbug the badger. This is a great opportunity to see the good work they do and of course meet Fred and Humbug! Located in the Kids@Crick area.
For more information visit www.warwickshirewildlifesanctuary.co.uk
Northampton and Wellingborough Sea Cadets
The Sea Cadets will have a land-based display and will also demonstrate their “A Man Overboard” recovery drill in the every day in the Marina at 12pm and 3pm.
This is an extremely important skill which ensures they are well prepared for any event or emergency and is a fundamental skill which Cadets learn through the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) training courses. The RYA has different methods for different types of boating and in their display the Cadets will show you the difference between a Power Boat and a Sailing Dinghy. Make sure you don’t miss this exciting show of skill!
The Sea Cadets are a registered charity which aims to help young people between the ages of 10 and 18 years to responsible adulthood using a naval theme. The Sea Cadet Unit at Northampton is a recognised RYA centre and the training given to cadets is in line with RYA small boat schemes and they meet on Tuesday and Friday evening at their headquarters in Nunn Mills Road, Northampton. Wellingborough Sea Cadets meet Tuesday and Friday nights at the Cadet Forces Building, Spring Gardens, Wellingborough. Further information on Northampton and Wellingborough Sea Cadets can be found by visiting www.northamptonseacadets.org, or www.wellingboroughseacadets.org.uk or contacting the Commanding Officer, Chris Read on 07776 177 509.
Sea Cadets are always looking for new adult volunteers and cadets to support the team in helping our young people. The adult volunteers are needed to do everything from helping with the instruction, driving minibuses, helping with welfare and maintenance. If you have a few spare hours that you could give please contact your local unit.
Rutland Falconry and Owl Centre
Rutland Falconry and Owl Centre is home to a fascinating variety of owls and birds of prey. We are delighted to welcome a number of these birds to the show, enabling visitors to get a close up view of these beautiful creatures. Look, learn and even hold the birds in the Kids@Crick area and make sure you don’t miss the exciting flying displays which take place at 11am and 3.30pm on each day. For more information on the centre visit www.rutland-falconry.com
Snake Display
Do you dare to visit the snake display in the Kingfisher marquee? Julian from Froglife will be on hand to reveal all about the snakes and other creatures which live around our waterways. Julian will also give a talk in the Kids@Crick area at 2.30 on each day: ‘Snakes need Friends’. Did you know that the Grass Snake is also known as the Water Snake? Learn why snakes like to live in the water and all about the food chain.
Froglife is a UK wildlife charity committed to the conservation of amphibians and reptiles – for more information visit www.froglife.org
Music and Entertainers
Alan Myatt
Alan Myatt will be bringing back some Crick favourites, with his larger than life appearances throughout the show as wonderful watery characters, Bluebeards Ghost and Admiral Nelson!
Belshazzar's Feast
Belshazzar’s Feast are a classical and folk music collaboration, sure to liven up the atmosphere and bring on the sunshine whatever the weather! Their music is note perfect, yet incorporates a humorous combat of an entirely musical kind, featuring the superb dexterity of these two amazing musicians.
The Big Fish Band
The Big Fish Band will be playing a whole host of well known popular tunes as well as their own compositions, in an eclectic mix of toe-tapping tunes! Dressed in traditional canal costume, this talented, community street band will be providing lively and fun entertainment throughout the show.
The Bill Bailey Jazz Band
The Bill Bailey Jazz Band have grown to be a signature act, bringing their fun-filled jazz performances to the habitual and novice visitor alike. A group of accomplished jazz musicians led by the wonderful Bill Bailey, Crick Boat Show just wouldn’t be the same without them! (Saturday & Sunday)
Canal Character Stiltwalker
Towering above the crowd and taking tall steps back in time is this old fashioned character, dressed in the fashions of the waterway days gone by!
The Hot Chestnut Café Band
A mixture of European music played on a variety of instruments such as banjo, accordion and guitar – something to suit all musical (and café!) tastes.(Monday)
Jaguar Magic
This street magician will be sure to stop you in your tracks if you encounter his illusionary skills and masterful trickery, working the crowds around the show. Most easily spotted by his trail of onlookers in awe - this is an act not to be missed!
Lifeguards
Perched high on their chairs our lifeguards attempt to impose the timeless values of the municipal baths onto the unsuspecting Crick Boat Show audience.
Passing “swimmers” are chastised with the “whistle of shame” and the “wagging finger” of authority for breaching any of the rules.
Nothing goes unchallenged as our barely trained heroes keep order! (Saturday)
Rod Maggot the Miserable Fisherman
If you come across this miserable character in his fishing gear do try and cheer him up! He moans about the weather (it’s always too hot or too cold) and the lack of fish (he’s very unlucky and rarely catches a bite) and everything in between. Guaranteed to bring a little ray of sunshine to Crick!
Northampton Pipe Band
Northampton Pipe Band will be sounding out the Waterways, with traditional highland melody and the expert flare that has seen them competing at the highland games, developed over their 20 years of performing together. They also perform in Europe and are sure to liven up the waterways at Crick! (Sunday)
Ocho Rios
Ocho Rios are a local steel band who bring a touch of the Caribbean to the Northamptonshire show. Who can resist a dance and a smile when these exotic rhythms and tones play out to the crowd? Modest in size yet played out with precision, this steel band are definitely one of the best and a favourite of Crick Boat Show, returning year after year due to their skill and popularity.
The Original Backroom Boys
The Original Backroom Boys are an extremely talented duo who perform a variety of styles ranging from traditional Anglo/Irish folk music to blues, country and everything in between! ‘The boys’ are Dave Broadfield and John Owen, who play guitar and violin – their talent will impress and entertain everyone at the show.
Risenga Makondo
Risenga Makondo is a South African percussionist and dancer who will be running African dance and drum workshops for all ages. A speciality and must-see is the gumboot dancing workshops, which involve much stomping and slapping of welly boots! Simply turn up, pull on your wellies and dance! Workshops will run throughout the day in the Kids@Crick area between 11am and 5pm and Risenga will be performing on the Food Court Stage at 3pm each day.
The Swing Museum Quartet
A versatile, talented quartet who will be performing popular tunes from the thirties and forties on violin, two guitars and double bass/vocals. Locally based, they perform regularly around the Midlands and further afield and are likely to be the best dressed people at Crick this year! (Saturday and Monday)
Wind in the Willows
Take a trip down memory lane with extracts from this much-loved children’s classic based on the wildlife of the waterways. See your favorite characters such as ratty, toad and friends! The play will take place in the Kids@Crick area at 12.30 and 4.30 each day.
