Ware Festival is a month long celebration that begins this weekend. But where is Ware and why go there?

Ware is a town on the River Lea as you cruise up towards Hertford, and is about half an hour from London Liverpool Street, by train. This weekend is the Ware River Festival, Carnival Parade and Town Fair. The Inland Waterways Association will be holding a Friday barbecue, boat parade, boat handling competition, quiz evening and Sunday open-air service. If you’re arriving by boat check out the mooring plan on the IWA website, and you may want to consider pre-booking a mooring. Boats will be moored up to three abreast at the weekend, and there will be a mooring team on hand to assist you when you arrive. There will also be boat trips, stalls and information. Most of the more boaty events will be held on Saturday 4th only.

The tradition of a fair in Ware began when Robert de Quincey, Lord of the Manor, having served Henry III in the French Wars, was granted leave to hold an Annual Fair on the “eve of the Virgin Mary”. The present day fair is funded by the town council and organised by a committee of town councillors and representatives from local organisations.

Other events throughout the month include the Riverside Real Ale Festival on 11th July and 'Ware Festival of Running' on 12th July. Rock in the Priory, a day long concert, takes place on Sunday, 19th July and the line-up features ska, acoustic, rock, blues and everything in between.

Coming up, there is also an Over 60s Party, Raft Race, Teddy Bear’s Picnic and many other events aiming to motivate civic pride and encourage community spirit!

However, if you can’t make it to Ware this weekend check out the Boatshed Grand Union Festival Guide for this summer. Canal festivals are great meeting points both for boaters, and those who want to be boaters.

Phil says, “If you are considering buying a boat or getting involved in boating,festivals are a great place to start. You can look at boats, talk to boaters and meet the world of boating at its most convivial. You can also hear great music, eat fantastic food and drink at the real ale bar.”

Boatshed covers the whole of the River Lea, and Stort, plus London and Hertfordshire. Get in touch if you have a boat for sale.

Blog by Peggy

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