Photo gallery from a sunny Rickmansworth Canal Festival 2023

Despite financial pressures in the run-up to the event, thousands turned out and enjoyed entertainment, canal boats, and a huge variety of stalls over the weekend.

The festival, at Batchworth Lock, is run by the Rickmansworth Waterways Trust and celebrates canals, the community and the environment.

David Montague speaking at Rickmansworth Canal Festival 2023 (Image: Deborah Chambre Young)

Crowds gathered (Image: Deborah Chambre Young)

Attendees described the event as “a lovely day”, “a great event”, and an “amazing institution” as a strong turnout took advantage of the sunny weather.

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The top attraction for many is the array of canal boats from across the country, with at least 100 craft of many types and histories moored along the towpath up to four deep each year.

Rickmansworth Canal Festival 2023 (Image: Jonathan Gibbs)

Boats moored along the canal (Image: Deborah Chambre Young)

Other attractions on Saturday and Sunday (May 20 to 21) include music acts across several stages, a tug-of-war competition between boats, and around 130 stalls selling a range of goods.

Attended a great event today. The Rickmansworth Festival which is to celebrate canals, community and the environment. We attended with the Water Rescue Unit. Great event with lots of education on water safety delivered. Massive shoutout to @hertsboatrescue 🤍 pic.twitter.com/kPDCUsFsSe

— Hatfield Fire Stn (@Hatfield_FS) May 20, 2023

About today...
Thanks @RickyFestival for having us. Let us know if you came. Hope to be back next year to help @RickyWaterTrust again. People of @inrickmansworth you were awesome.
🎻⛴☘️💚🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/g9Xyp6eokZ

— Missing The Ferry ☘️ (@missingtheferry) May 21, 2023

Thank you @RickyFestival 🤘💜 still buzzing!!

📸 - Anthony Wodzicki pic.twitter.com/69WEmCUXDo

— Kick Pistol (@KickPistol) May 21, 2023

This year’s event marked the 30th anniversary of the canal festival but there are doubts over its future as it has recently become “a real challenge in terms of financing”, according to organiser David Montague.

Canal boat at the festival (Image: Deborah Chambre Young)

Rickmansworth Canal Festival 2023 (Image: Deborah Chambre Young)

Rickmansworth Canal Festival 2023 (Image: Deborah Chambre Young)

Museum stall (Image: Deborah Chambre Young)

Rickmansworth Canal Festival 2023 (Image: Jonathan Gibbs)

Rickmansworth Canal Festival 2023 (Image: Deborah Chambre Young)

Stall (Image: Deborah Chambre Young)

Festival crowds (Image: Deborah Chambre Young)

Rickmansworth Canal Festival 2023 (Image: Deborah Chambre Young)

Rickmansworth Canal Festival music (Image: Deborah Chambre Young)

Narrowboat planters (Image: Deborah Chambre Young)

Rickmansworth Canal Festival 2023 (Image: Deborah Chambre Young)

Rickmansworth Canal Festival 2023 (Image: Deborah Chambre Young)

Along the canal (Image: Deborah Chambre Young)

Rickmansworth Canal Festival 2023 (Image: Deborah Chambre Young)

Pride of Batchworth (Image: Deborah Chambre Young)

Rickmansworth Canal Festival 2023 (Image: Deborah Chambre Young)

Stalls (Image: Deborah Chambre Young)

A trip down the canal (Image: Deborah Chambre Young)

Rickmansworth Canal Festival 2023 (Image: Deborah Chambre Young)

Rickmansworth Canal Festival 2023 (Image: Deborah Chambre Young)

Festival decorations (Image: Deborah Chambre Young)

Rickmansworth Canal Festival 2023 (Image: Deborah Chambre Young)

Rickmansworth Canal Festival 2023 (Image: Deborah Chambre Young)

Festival decorations (Image: Deborah Chambre Young)