Crowds soak up sun at boat festival

Thousands flocked to the waterways and basked in glorious sunshine for the Black Country Boating Festival.

See more pics of the Boating Festival in our photo gallery below.

Record numbers flocked to Bumble Hole Nature Reserve in Windmill End, Netherton, on Saturday and crowds again crammed round the canals on Sunday.

More than 18,000 people attended the event over the weekend.

The excellent weather and turnout is a major boost to Black Country Boating Festivals Ltd.

Festival director Paddy Grice said takings were "well up" on last year and the event was on to make a healthy profit.

He said: "It was an excellent turnout and probably the busiest Saturday we have ever had.

Among those enjoying the sunshine were Clive and Lisa Leadbeater, 36, who brought six-month old daughter Mia to the festival.

Mr Leadbeater, 50, of Britannia Road, Rowley Regis, said: "It's a perfect family event." Boat trips, a fair, boat pull challenge and stalls entertained the crowds.

Mark Tubby, 43, wife Debbie, 41, and children 11-year-old Matthew and Hannah, six, from Birmingham, were looking on as the horse, 17-year-old Clydesdale Prince, arrived.

Professional narrowboat decorator Julie Tonkin, 54, of Fieldfare Close, Netherton, who had a stall selling her art, said the event was her best yet.

Crowds of visitors lined the canal at Dudley's Bumble Hole Nature Reserve on Sunday for The Black Country Boat Festival.

Trader Julie Tomkin showcasing her wares at The Black Country Boat Festival.nextpage

Colourful barges were on display at The Black Country Boat Festival at Bumble Hole Nature Reserve.

Mark Tubby and family enjoy the boat festival. Mark and Debbie and pictured with Matthew, aged 11, and Hannah, aged six.