DOZENS of colourful historic narrow boats will gather at Tower Wharf in Chester today, Friday.

They will then cruise eight miles along the Shropshire Union Canal to a large celebration at the National Waterways Museum in Ellesmere Port.

The annual Good Friday cruise, organised by members of the Historic Narrow Boat Club (HNBC), will kick off a series of waterway gatherings throughout 2024 around the UK inland waterways network.

Speaking on behalf of HNBC, Susan Cawson said: "The staff at Ellesmere Port have worked tremendously hard to make the Museum into a leading waterway attraction and we are delighted to be able to support their efforts over the Easter weekend, which will be the first event of the season".

"The Good Friday HNBC get-together is always a bit special.

"Many of the participating craft were originally built pre-World War 2 for high profile canal carriers such as the Grand Union Canal Carrying Company and Fellows, Morton & Clayton Ltd, but are now restored and in the capable hands of enthusiasts who lovingly maintain them for work and pleasure."

The Historic Narrow Boat Club was formed in 1966 and is one of the oldest inland waterway boat clubs. It is a national organisation dedicated to preserving the working heritage of the canal system, from the boats themselves to the infrastructure of the waterways on which they travel.

Susan Cawson added: "Some of the boats are still used to transport coal and other goods around the country, while others are immaculate examples of a glorious past which we are keen to keep alive for future generations.

"Our members are immensely proud of the boats in their care".