Twinkling Canal

Christmas arrives at the Canal Basin

Sunday, 26 November was a very special day here at Chichester Canal Basin, when members, families and friends celebrated the start of our Christmas boat trips in style. A Chrismas tableau in the middle of the water, Snowhite and her dwarves plus Elsa from Frozen all in place along the canal banks… all ready for the entertainment which started at 3.30. First up were Phil and Jane, a first class folk duo who are well known and loved across the region, followed by an ensemble of talented brass musicians from Chichester City Band. What a start!

As the darkness drew in, everyone was treated to an array of model boats courtesy of Chichester Model Boat Club and then an amazing illuminated boat display by Portsmouth Model Boat Display team. As the excitement grew, Father Christmas arrived by private transport, aboard “Frisky” the tug boat. The inevitable countdown followed to the actual switch on. Chichester’s canal twinkled and then became lit with a spectacular firework display provided by the Portsmouth team.

The weather was kind and volunteers, friends and passers by were treated to a warming cup of mulled wine, hot chestnuts and sausages. Our grateful thanks to the musicians, the boat display teams, Spires Bakery and Lizzies of Rustington for their kind donations of food.

Here’s a few snaps of the event, with our grateful thanks to Graeme Barrett.