A NEWLY-restored narrowboat will arrive at Middlewich FAB Festival on Friday night after a five-night journey, and you could be on board.

Hazel, an unpowered ‘butty’ boat launched over 100 years ago in 1914, has been converted from a former coal-carrying vessel into a pleasure boat by the Wooden Canal Boat Society (WCBS).

She is now ready to embark on a cruise carrying up to five people from Marple to Middlewich, via the Macclesfield and Trent and Mersey canals.

The WCBS will be auctioning off spaces aboard the boat, with bidding starting at £175. The listing describes the trip as ‘a fairly leisurely boating trip, suitable for those who just love canal boating’.

After leaving Marple on June 12, Hazel will arrive in Middlewich on Friday, June 17 in time for the opening night of FAB Fest.

The boat will be towed so maintain the trip’s leisurely feel, and will then be available to rent for accommodation for the duration of the weekend festivities.

The South headline the festival’s ticketed opening night on Friday, while The Christians perform on Saturday night – one of over 100 free performances.

All proceeds from the narrowboat trip auction will go towards the Wooden Canal Boat Society. Search ‘Marple Middlewich canal trip’ on eBay for the full listing.