Middlewich Folk and Boat Festival 2024 starts with a bang

Around 30,000 people are expected to head to the town between Friday, June 14, and Sunday, June 16, for a laid-back celebration of canal life, heritage, and music. 

Canal boat trader began to arrive earlier in the week to set up for the floating market, while the main site on Market Field got the ball rolling with Niqi Brown’s Tina Turner tribute act, Quo-incidence, and topping the bill, mighty 70s rock and rollers, Showaddywaddy.

Away from the main stage, pubs including the Kings Lock Inn, the White Bear, and the Kinderton got the fringe-event side of the festival rolling, ensuring business across the town get their fair share of the action.

Claire Armstrong, who now runs the event alongside friend, Claire Ireland, said: “We're very excited. It’s like the whole of Middlewich is on holiday.

Jill Druker (left) and Debbie Gregory, Goostrey and Alderley Edge, are becoming Middlewich Town Football Club campsite regulars (Image: Newsquest)

“The canal is looking brilliant. We’ve already had 26 boats arrive, with some visitors coming from as far away as Australia.

“They’ve hired a narrowboat and they’re making the festival the centre of their holiday.

Niqi Brown's high-energy Tina Tina tribute act had thick slice of audience participation - brave lads! (Image: Newsquest)

“Folk and Boat is such an important part of the life of the town. We’ve been liaising with business, and some say they started seeing the festival effect right from the beginning of the week. They’re all preparing for a very busy weekend. 

“And I’ve already had the pleasure of taking a car ride with one of Showaddywaddy after he managed to get lost.”

Narrowboat traders Deb (left) and Mike Hayes epitomising what Folk and Boat is all about (Image: Newsquest)

As well as the main stage and free fringe events, this year sees a new folk stage down at Middlewich Town Football Club once again, which is also welcoming campers and motorhomes for the weekend.

Mark Morris, the club’s vice-chairman, said: “It’s great to be able to welcome overnight visitors, all of whom so far have been fantastic.

Claire Armstrong (front) with member of Quo-incidence, who played the main stage on the Friday night (Image: Newsquest)

“This is the second year we’ve been able to offer this contribution to the festival, which at the same time is a real bonus for the club.”

Tickets for the main stage venue on Market Field are available through Ticketsource.