Rickmansworth Canal Festival: 20-21 May 2023

Updated: 17 May 2023

A popular annual event celebrating the waterways, local community and environment is returning to Rickmansworth this month.

A popular annual event celebrating the waterways, local community and environment is returning to Rickmansworth this weekend.

The Rickmansworth Festival will take place on 20-21 May 2023, and in past years has seen around 20,000 members of the local community and visitors attend.

The festival started as a purely canal based event in 1993, as part of the British Waterways “Canals 200” celebration that year.  The festival now occupies part of the Rickmansworth Aquadrome, the towpath between Stockers Lock and Batchworth, and the area round Batchworth Lock. You can find a range of live music and performing arts, displays and presentations, traders, boats and catering.

The top attraction for many is the wonderful array of canal boats from across the country - a terrific spectacle, with at least 100 craft of many types and histories moored along the towpath up to four deep.  There are also many other things to do, see and enjoy whatever your interests, and whatever your age.

A full programme of events and all you need to plan your day can be found here .

Cllr Sarah Nelmes, Leader of Three Rivers District Council, said: “I am really looking forward to the festival.  There is so much to see and do, from live music to fairground rides.  I hope that you will be able to take time out of your weekend to visit the event and I look forward to seeing many of you there.”

The Chair of the Council, Cllr Debbie Morris, said: “The festival is a fantastic community event which is not only great fun but also educational. I am delighted to have been invited to attend.”

Councillors Nelmes and Morris will officially open the event on the main stage at 12 noon on Saturday 20 May.