Celebrating London’s Waterways
By Marion Birch
For the last 30 years the pool of water between Bloomfield Road and Delamere Terrace in West London has been the location for a colourful boating festival hosted by Inland Waterways Association over the early May bank holiday weekend. Around 100 decorated canal boats cram into Little Venice to compete for Best Decorated Boat, Best Illuminated Boat, Best Traditionally Dressed Boater and Boat Handling competitions. This free event attract boaters from all over the country, some who travel many miles, work through numerous locks and take several weeks to take part in this spectacle.
Canals in Bloom, a riot of colour in Brownings Pool
Last year boaters took up the theme of Canals in Bloom to produce eye-catching floating displays which wowed the crowds. The 2016 Cavalcade will feature Canals Alive as the theme for decorating the boats, giving endless possibilities for the competitors’ creative talents.
Food & Drink
But the Canalway Cavalcade is not just for boaters. Thousands of spectators come to soak up the atmosphere around Little Venice and watch the boat parades, sample the food and drink on offer and browse through the wonderful variety of stalls that are set up around the site. Visitors have no need to go hungry or thirsty with Greek dishes, Indian street food, crepes, gourmet French food, fish & chips, wraps, ice creams, a vintage tea room and a real ale bar all available on site. Traders, community groups and charities set out their stalls to provide cheese, fudge, sausages, cakes, hand-made cards, crafted toys, clothing, jewellery, plants, accessories, creams and lotions, Fair Trade, pottery and glassware. There is plenty for children as well with Punch & Judy, water walking and small roundabouts.
Canalway Cavalcade 2015
To experience this free, lively event visit Little Venice between Saturday 30th April and Monday 2nd May. Nearest stations are Paddington or Warwick Avenue. Check out the Inland Waterways Association Event Facebook page at to get updates.
What: IWA’s Canalway Cavalcade 2016
Where: around Little Venice
When: 30th April-2nd May
Cost: Free
