Narrowboats at the Overwater Marina - RNLI festival

The sixth Audlem RNLI Festival proved a popular hit with hundreds of visitors to the Overwater Marina, between Audlem and Nantwich, writes Jonathan White.

There was a Boatshare4U show and in the evening there was live entertainment from ‘ABBA Re-Bjorn’.

The programme also included a Dog Show with categories for prettiest bitch, most handsome boy, best trick, golden oldie, cutest pup,the dog with the waggiest tail and best in show with Steve Leonard and Andy Nelson from Leonard Brothers Veterinary Centre Ltd.

Visitors also enjoyed Hobby horse racing; a Donkey Derby with donkey races and donkey chariot races from Stonehill Donkeys; and a falconry demonstration from Heritage Falconry.

A large marquee hosted the entertainment, a licensed bar and a RNLI Lifeboats stall, raffle, festival stalls, face-painting.

Refreshments were available in the Café at Bridge 80 and at an outdoor food area.

RNLI - Donkey Derby chariot race - Rebecca Sparkes races for the line

Other stalls at the venue were represented by ADAPT (Audlem & District Acting Positively for Transition), Canal & River Trust, The Shropshire Union Canal Society, and Pets As Therapy.

There was also a Cheshire Fire fire appliance and a steam roller.

The ‘Audlem Lass’ provided a boat service between Audlem (Lock 15) and the Overwater Marina.

Audlem RNLI Festival was organised by the Crewe & Nantwich Branch of the RNLI.

Proceeds go to the RNLI to support their valuable lifesaving efforts.

The RNLI operates 444 lifeboats from 235 lifeboat stations around the country.

Since 1824, the RNLI lifeboat and lifeguard crews have saved more than 139,000 lives, and on average rescue 22 people per day.

It costs around £410,000 a day to run the RNLI, all of which is donated by the public.

(All pictures courtesy of Jonathan White)

Visitor Mark Ray views The Robey steam roller

Toby Milburn from Heritage Falconry gives a birds of prey demonstration

Donkey Derby chariot race - riders race for the line

A narrowboat at OverWater Marina

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