Steam at the Lift 2024 to include flotilla of vintage steam vessels

Steam at the Lift, the Canal and River Trust's (CRT) festival of all things steam powered, which happens this year on May 11 and 12, will see steamboats from across the UK converge on the two towns’ marinas.

The boats will then form up into a flotilla before steaming up the Weaver Navigation to the festival’s main site at the Anderton Boat Lift.

People can enjoy the river spectacle in Northwich town centre, then follow the flotilla’s progress downstream on foot along a connecting riverside footpath.

Steam boats from across the UK will be converging on Northwich and Winsford on Friday, May 10, in time for the festival on May 11 and 12 (Image: CRT)

The two-day festival will see up to three dozen steam vehicles in total, including steam rollers and lorries, and there will be a range of activities from guided tours of the lift and a Saturday night barbecue, to Lego and face painting for children.

Art Deco steamship, the Daniel Adamson, better known as the Danny, will be hosting an onboard craft beer festival and tours, and the Cheshire Live Steamers will be demonstrating miniature traction engines at the top of the lift.

Steam at the lift is a festival embracing all things steam-powered (Image: CRT)

The Edwin Clark trip boat will also be offering short cruises up and down the lift, giving visitors a unique view of the stunning 1875 Victorian structure, the world’s first major commercial boat lift.

Ani Sutton, destination and attraction manager with the CRT, said: “Anderton Boat Lift is one of the seven wonders of the waterways.

“This festival is a great opportunity to showcase its fascinating history, enjoy some glorious heritage steam engines, and demonstrate why it’s important to preserve the lift as a working scheduled monument for the next generation.

The Daniel Adamson will be open for tours, and well as being where the bar is located (Image: Canal and River Trust)

“This year we’re thrilled to be hosting a record number of traction engines and steamboats, both vintage and modern, and we’re very grateful to all their passionate owners who have travelled long distances to be with us.

“All the ships and steam rollers and lorries will be operated and demonstrated by volunteer enthusiasts, offering visitors a fantastic behind-the-scenes peek into their mechanical history and heritage.”

Admission to the weekend festival event and the Anderton Boat Lift visitor centre is free but some activities, such as boat trips and Lego, incur a charge and need to be booked in advance.

Festival opening times are Saturday, May 11, 10am to 10pm, and Sunday, May 11, 10am to 4.30pm.

Ani added: “The steamboat flotilla along the River Weaver is a first for Northwich and we do hope lots of visitors will join us to view the cruise for what promises to be a truly spectacular sight.

“CRT staff will also be on hand to explain the need for a programme of vital repairs and upgrades to the lift as part of the Engineering the Future project."