As well as an amazing array of boats, free canal trips, the best selection of real ales in the area, shopping bargains and a great selection, we are delighted to offer you the following morsels for your delectation. There’s sure to be a few surprises as well !
MUSIC AND ENTERTAINERS
Larger than life canal-character Towpath Ted will be there to meet and greet you on arrival! Ted is brought to Crick by veteran street entertainer Alan Myatt, who is also an award-winning town cryer: he is always seen and always heard!
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, including many traditional ‘watery’ songs!
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 once again bring sunshine to Crick! These accomplished musicians provide fun-filled jazz performances, led by the wonderful Bill Bailey.
Hot Chestnut Cafe 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. (Sunday and Monday)
Ocho Rios are a local steel band who bring a touch of the Caribbean sunshine to the show. This talented group of youngsters are guaranteed to bring smiles to your faces and tapping to your feet! Ocho Rios are an old favourite at Crick Boat Show, returning year after year due to their skill and popularity.
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 and are returning to Crick due to popular demand.
Riverboat Pirates perform a variety of hot jigs, cool blues and ‘Serious Drinking Songs’! This lively acoustic based band combine various ethnic styles, rock n’ roll and a good dose of humour into their varied and entertaining set. Veterans of performing at canal and waterside events, the band have all lived or continue to live aboard, so are perfect entertainers! (Sunday)
Royal Oak Morris are an accomplished group of colourful, traditional morris dancers based in the village of Eydon in Northamptonshire (Monday)
Stompin' Dave Allen stomps his way throught American roots music on guitar, five-string banjo, fiddle, piano, harmonica, vocals & tap dancing. A unique, talented and fun performer! (Monday)
Squinty McGinty Band -A trio of jolly roaming musicians who play a variety of lively Irish jigs and tunes.
Kids@Crick
An area aimed at, but not exclusively, for children! Make sure you take the time to visit the host of free activities available in the Kids@Crick area.
Animals - Farmyard
Come and visit this miniature farmyard brought to you from Kidrome. There will be a wonderful display of livestock and farm animals for you to see, get close to and touch. Kids@Crick area.
Animals - Exotic and Unusual!
An interactive and educational display of unusual and exotic animals brought to you by Tropical Inc. Some of the creatures you will meet include a skunk, snakes, lizards, scorpions, tarantulas, a meerkat, an African pygmy hedgehog and an owl. Don’t worry, all the animals are safe to handle and cannot escape! Kids@Crick marquee.
African Dance and Drumming Workshops
An absolute must see! Risenga Makondo is a spirited South African percussionist and dancer who will be running African dance and drum workshops for all ages. Not to be missed is the speciality 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 2pm each day.
Circus and Juggling Workshops
No one is too old to have a go at the variety of colourful circus skills brought to you by The Great Gappo Circus Skills Workshop. Learn how to throw the diabolo and poi, spin a plate or two and learn balancing tricks from this expert – and very patient! - teacher.
Age is no restriction and all are welcome to join in. You can also learn how to be an expert juggler by visiting the juggling workshops which will be provided throughout the day by Flip (11am to 4pm in the Kids@Crick area)
Crafts by the RSPB
The RSPB will be bringing crafts to Crick – come along and learn how to make dragonflies, masks and badges. Kids@Crick marquee.
Face Painting
Children will be transformed into animals, monsters and butterflies before your very eyes! With thanks to the amazing artistic talents of the London Narrowboat Company. Kids@Crick marquee.
Storytelling – Bert and Betty Books
Bert & Betty Books Storytime will be reading twice daily from their books about the working boat people in the 19th century canals. Kids@Crick marquee.
Merlin’s Amazing Waterway
A unique and colourful collage (7m long x 2m high), showing the magic of nature to be found above and below the water. Meet the Eco Elves to see how you can help prevent what is depicted on the polluted side of the Waterway. Kids@Crick marquee.
Go Wild Over Waterways
The many resources and activities you will discover in this British Waterways display have been created for children aged 7-11 years and their teachers, group leaders and families. Whether you are planning a day out or a school visit they are designed to help you safely explore the canals, rivers and waterways of Britain. The display is linked to the National Wildlife Survey, with a focus on bumble bees. When you go home you can find games, learning and fun things to do at www.wow4water.net. Located in the Kids@Crick marquee.
Also in the children’s area you will find traditional Victorian Funfair Rides, a Bouncy Castle and Bouncy Slide.
Activities and Action
On The Water
Bell Boating
A perfect opportunity for children to get out on the water and try an exciting new activity for free. Brought to Crick with thanks to the Northampton District Scout Council. 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
A waterways adventure! Take a boat trip out to the Grand Union Canal and experience our waterways in the best way possible. The boat trips leave from the east side of the marina and are free of charge due to the generosity of our good friends at Canal Boat Magazine. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Boaters Christian Fellowship Sunday Service will hold a Sunday Christian witness worship and fellowship for the boating community on the waterways of Britain. It takes place in the main entertainment marquee on Sunday at 11.00am, everyone welcome – the more the merrier!
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.
Seminar Programme
Please refer to the Official Show Guide for timings and locations
A seminar programme covering a variety of topics takes place in the Heron Marquee throughout the day. All seminars and talks are free of charge.
Buying a Boat – by Les Jackson
An essential guide to buying a boat, whether it be for the first time or upgrading.
Effective Power Management by Danny Jones of Onboard Energy Ltd
A very useful seminar on getting the most from your onboard electrical systems.
Waterways Birds and Conservation Programmes by the RSPB
Learn all about the birds you will find in and around the waterways.
Canal Art – by Julie
Julie’s talks on “The daily lives of canal people and how canal art came into their culture” come from her research into canal art and history and from stories and tales given to her by old boatmen. A fascinating insight into this traditional art form.
"So you Want to Live on a Boat" by Residential Boat Owners' Association
An informative talk with a question and answer session – a must for all potential boat owners.
British Waterways Forum
An opportunity for members of the waterways communities to discuss issues and plans with members of British Waterways South East.
Mini Maintenance Workshops – by River and Canal Rescue
Tony Brooks will be presenting a number of workshops at the River and Canal Rescue stand (V48)
Boaters Christian Fellowship Sunday Service
Boaters Christian Fellowship Sunday Service will hold a Sunday Christian witness worship and fellowship for the boating community on the waterways of Britain. It takes place in the main entertainment marquee on Sunday at 11.00am, everyone welcome – the more the merrier!
