Thousands gather over bank holiday weekend for Crick Boat Show
by Debbie Walker 1 Jun 06:06 PDT
22-25 May 2026
Crick Boat Show 2026 © Crick Boat Show
Nearly 25,000 visitors enjoyed the 2026 Crick Boat Show, sponsored by Haven Knox-Johnston, over the late May Bank Holiday weekend as the inland waterways world came together at Crick Marina near Daventry.
Held over the late May Bank Holiday weekend, the 25th running of 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 Line.
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, over 2,500 visitors attended the Show's 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.
The 2026 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 29-31 May 2027, with Trade & Preview Day on Friday 28 May.
For more information visit www.crickboatshow.com