The Braunston Historic Narrowboat Rally and Canal Festival, now in its seventh year, was held at the village marina on Saturday and Sunday and was visited by around 6,000 people across the weekend.

A total of 84 historic working narrowboats were showcased at the event, setting a new record for the popular festival.
Tim Coghlan, managing director of Braunston Marina, said: "It went very well indeed.

"It was the best ever. We had good weather on both days and there was a record number of boats. The 84 boats that turned up made it an all time record for any historical narrowboat rally anywhere ever.

"It's terrific. What's lovely about the rally is that people can parade their boats through the marina here, so it's nice for them to show the boats off and for visitors to see them."

As well as the boat parades there were also a number of attractions, including side shows, live music, morris dancing, trade exhibitions, craft displays, a beer tent and tunnel legging.

One of the many highlights of the event, which was officially opened by guest of honour Tom Grasso – the long-serving president of The Canal Society of New York State and former president of the Inland Waterways Association – was the celebration of the 100th birthday of President – the last surviving steam powered narrowboat on the UK canal system.

The rally also raised around £6,000 which will be split between local good causes and boating charities.
Mr Coghlan added: "It was such a wonderful event. It will be back next year."