MIDDLEWICH will be playing host to a new festival next month.

Countless narrowboats are expected to descend on the canals between October 23 and 25 as the town is made ship shape for the Middlewich Boat Rally.

“It’s going to be a busy six weeks, that’s for sure,” said Dave Thompson, town centre events manager.

Dave, one of the founders of the Folk and Boat Festival, told the Guardian that 8,500 canal boats pass through Middlewich every year.

“I think we’re lucky in Middlewich,” he added.

“We have a canal that goes through the town, almost literally through the town centre.

“We want to tap into the people who are coming on their boats through the seasons and give them more reason to stop and spend their money while they’re here.”

Middlewich Boat Rally will coincide with Middlewich Beer Festival in a bid to benefit both and is set to see musicians take to the stage in the town’s pubs.

Dave, who received funding for the event from Cheshire East Council, said: “Following an exhibition we did last October, managers at British Waterways and the Shaping Places Team who purchased the Town Wharf site suggested we host a new rally at the end of the boating season.

“I thought we could combine the event with Middlewich Round Table’s excellent Beer Festival and stage informal entertainment in other venues, with the aim of attracting more customers and visitors to both.”

Dave told the Guardian that negotiations are ongoing but some celebrities could also be making an appearance.

So far seven town centre venues have pledged their support and invitations have been sent out to boat societies and cruise clubs.

Dave added: “We’re confident we can make it a worthwhile event. We’re encouraging as many businesses as possible to get involved and a lot of people have already signed up.”

On the day, Dave and his team will also conducting a survey to see if there is enough interest to turn the rally into an annual event.

To get involved, call Dave on 833434 or email events@middlewich.org.uk