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29 November 2009
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Christmas

Canal boat emerges from a dragon's mouth

Canal Boat Light Parade

Thousands enjoyed the Christmas magic of Birmingham's second annual Canal Boat Light Parade.

A fun family night out

Sunday 20 November saw the city's second annual Canal Boat Light Parade.

In spite of the cold, frosty weather, tens of thousands of people gathered on the tow path as 23 boats paraded from the National Indoor Arena to the Mailbox.

The parade was twice the size of last year's event and all the boats were beautifully decorated.

Merry Christmas from the BBC WM boat

The special effects, including a 30ft lighthouse, a dragon's mouth façade on Broad Street bridge, a water screen and two fire and water fountains at the Mailbox, were all stunning.

Nikki Tapper and Adrian Goldberg from BBC WM provided commentary along the entire route.

Brindleyplace, Mailbox and many of the canal side bars and restaurants also added to the family fun with entertainment of their own. Spectators were also treated to a fireworks finale.

Thousands watched the boat parade

The prize for the best decorated boat went to Alan Green, owner of Omega 2, which he decorated as Noah's Ark.

Alan's prize was £1,000 and he was also presented with the Canal Boat Light Parade Trophy. The Lord Mayor, who made the presentation also took part in the parade on board BBC WM's boat the St Catherine.

Fireworks finale

Councillor John Alden, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Sport and Culture attended the event and said: "Today's parade was truly breathtaking and really showcased our city centre canal network.

"This was yet another wonderful event for local people and is part of our biggest ever programme of Christmas events."

Take a look at the spectacular boats and firework finale in pictures.
Canal Boat Light Parade gallery >

last updated: 06/12/05

Have Your Say

Did you enjoy the Canal Boat Light Parade?

tom
i waz on the l&g boat 3 pics up with merry xmas on

peter
i enjoyed the boat parade because i was apart of the boat entered by the scouts

rose barnett
wonderful , well worth standing in the cold

anne mcateer
we were at the symphony hall and did not know this was on as i would have brought our little boy to see it and cancelled the concert was it advertised?

Ian
I live in the mailbox and work in city centre - how come i knew nothing about this? How was it advertised??

Angela
Good evening for the children but too large a gap between boats arriving. Some of the entries a bit poor. Fireworks good

Ross
We really enjoyed the lighting of barges that have served the midland area for such a long time. I cant wait for next year to see the spectacular parade and fireworks

Miles
I wish I'd stayed at home nice and warm and just looked at these pictures which show more than I saw.

The Radleys
It was lovely but the crowds were too much for my little ones. The pace was just a little too slow to keep them entertained.

Melissa
We had a really good view down at the Mailbox but unfortunatly there wasn't many boats that had really made an effort. They were also too far apart and at one point it got a little crowded in the Mailbox area for the boats to turn around so some nearly crashed into each other! We liked where the fireworks display was set off, using the Hyatt Hotel roof was an excellant idea but we were a little dissapointed with the display.

Sue
We were a little disappointed. There were'nt many lights on the boats and they were spaced too far apart so boredom set in whilst waiting.