Stoke Bruerne Gala Weekend 2013

We usually try and attend the Gala Weekend at Stoke Bruerne held in June. This year the celebration was the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Canal Museum. The weather over the weekend was changeable but it was bright and sunny on Saturday morning so conditions for photography were good. A good selection of historic boats lined the cut, many looking very bright and particularly well polished.

Kildare from the Black Country Museum which is usually paired with the famous steam narrow boat President had travelled to Stoke from Braunston horse drawn.  She was towed by boat-horse Bilbo Baggins from the Horseboating Society to celebrate Kildare's Cententary. 

Kildare's crew relaxing in the morning sun

Bilbo Baggins  also taking a well-earned rest

There is usually a novelty feature over the weekend. Recently pirates have been to the fore but this year a more tranquil theme was adopted with NB George dressed as a swan to reflect the new Canal and River Trust symbol.

The giant swan (aka NB George)

Phil Underwood busking

With other commitments we couldn't stay long but it looked like another successful weekend was in store.