The popular annual Open Weekend which had been postponed due to Covid-19 for the past 2 years finally returned to the Bonded Warehouse and the Stourbridge Arm of the canal over the weekend of 15th / 16th October 2022. With the benefit of fair weather and consequently a large public turnout it was a resounding success with thousands of smiling visitors coming along to support and enjoy the event.
The Open Weekend featured food stalls including the popular hog roast, a plethora of colourful craft stalls, a rally of 45 boats, a display of fantastic classic vehicles, a real ale bar, children’s rides, live music with broadcasting from Black Country Radio’s double decker bus, and numerous other traders showcasing the best of local business or as representatives of voluntary groups engaging with the community.
We were pleased to welcome local MPs Suzanne Webb and Mike Wood, Dudley’s Deputy Mayor, The Leader of Dudley Council Patrick Harley, the CEO of Canal & River Trust Richard Parry with Richard Preston on the VIP boat.
Stourbridge Navigation Trust are absolutely delighted that the event ran smoothly, despite a few inevitable niggles, this mainly due to the efforts that went into the detailed planning in the preceding months and on the day as a result of the tremendous work done by the SNT volunteers. It was indeed a great success, much enjoyed by the local community to whom we are grateful for their support – we look forward to welcoming you back to Canal Street and the Bonded Warehouse next year!
A Gallery of photographs (courtesy of Trustees Geoff Cooke and Paul Collins) illustrating the event can be viewed below – we hope you enjoy them! If you have any photographs which you think would benefit the gallery then please send them in and we’ll gladly publish them.
