WE ARE TOLD THAT NEARLY 25,000 visitors enjoyed the 2026 Crick Boat Show over the late May Bank Holiday weekend.
With the inland waterways world coming together at Crick Marina near Daventry.
Brought together
The Show brought together boaters, prospective boat owners, exhibitors and waterways enthusiasts from across the country for four days of boats, boating advice, live entertainment and waterside celebration.
A wide range of new and used boats were on display from many of the UK’s leading boat builders and brokerages, alongside a striking gathering of historic working narrowboats on the Grand Union Canal Leicester Sectioin..
More than 200 exhibitors attended the show, with many reporting strong levels of interest and sales enquiries across the weekend despite temperatures soaring into record territory.
Alongside the boats and exhibitors ther was a free programme of seminars and masterclasses covering every aspect of inland boating, from choosing and handling a boat through to maintenance, technical systems and cruising.
Special talks sessions
This years show also saw particularly strong attendance at two Special Talks sessions. One featured a lively panel discussion on the challenges and hopes for the future of the inland waterways network. The other saw Show Director Peter Johns in conversation with Canal & River Trust Chief Executive Campbell Robb. As one of Robb’s first major public appearances since taking on the role, the session provided a valuable opportunity for boaters and waterways enthusiasts to hear from the man now leading the trust and helping shape the future of the inland waterways network.
One of the highlights of the weekend was the announcement of the Favourite Boat in Show award. The prestigious accolade is decided through a combination of public voting and the verdict of an expert judging panel. Heavy and closely fought voting saw several boats in contention, with the 2026 title ultimately awarded to Dexter’s Star, presented by Elton Moss Boatbuilders in collaboration with Ortomarine.
Away from the exhibition pontoons, the wider festival atmosphere remained central to the appeal of the event. Nearly 100 visiting boats lined the canal beside the showground, while over 300 campers and caravans stayed on site across the weekend, helping create the distinctive community atmosphere for which Crick Boat Show has become known.
The Show’s Live Music Festival, sponsored by Vetus, featured thirteen acts across the weekend, including performances from Blondied, a tribute to Blondie, and Madness tribute band One Step Behind. The Real Ale & Cider Festival, sponsored by LeeSan, was also a huge success, with many beers running out by the end of Sunday evening.
The Canal & River Trust welcomed thousands of visitors to its marquee throughout the weekend, where staff and volunteers highlighted the work being carried out to care for the charity’s 2,000-mile network of canals and rivers.
Next year’s Crick Boat Show will take place from 29th to the 31st May 2027, with Trade & Preview Day on Friday 28th May.