Michael Fabricant visited the Huddlesford Canal Gathering on the 19th September 2015 which ran for the weekend of the 19th and 20th. Run and organised by the Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust and the Lichfield Cruising Club, the event featured narrow boats, vintage cars, folk music, plenty to eat and drink, and various displays. The event was opened by Michael Fabricant MP who is Patron of the Trust opened the event.

Michael says “The Huddlesford Gathering is a biennial event and has become a major landmark in Lichfield’s calendar attracting visitors from throughout the UK and abroad. You don’t have to be a narrowboater to appreciate the Huddlesford Gathering: there is something there for all the family. And this weekend’s event was a huge success enjoying sunny weather and a lively atmosphere. I enjoyed the folk music as well as visiting many of the stands. All the volunteers who helped organise the event ranging from the car park attendants to the barbeque hamburger servers deserve recognition and praise.”

Photos show Michael (Trust Patron) opening the event with Eric Wood, left (Trust President) and Brian Kingshott, right (Trust Chairman)and Michael – complete with ice cream – meeting members of the Lichfield Dolls House Club who have won national awards for their depiction of Britain during World War One.