SOAKING rain failed to dampen the spirits of canal enthusiasts who gave a rousing welcome to an historic short boat as it cruised into Saltaire on the first stage of an epic voyage.

Umbrellas and macs were the order of the day but dozens of people still gathered on the canalside to greet the Kennet with cheers and applause today.

The boat is recreating the inaugural 127-mile journey across the Pennines, from Leeds to Liverpool, to mark the 200th anniversary of England’s longest canal.

The first voyage, in October 1816, took five days to navigate and was described as being greeted by flotillas decorated with flags and streamers, accompanied by “hearty cheering of immense assemblage of spectators.”

Yesterday’s gathering may not have been immense, but the cheering was just as hearty.

The modern day journey will take nine days, arriving in Liverpool on Sunday, allowing the public to see the boat, crewed by members of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal Society, in daylight.

Church bells pealed to mark the arrival of the Kennet, along with a brass band. Flotillas of boats will also be following its route.

Trip organiser Harold Bond said: “Back in 1816, press reports stated that the ceremonial first boat was greeted by peeling church bells, brass bands and cheering crowds, and canal barges were bedecked in flags and streamers.

“It would be fantastic if we could recreate that amazing atmosphere of celebration. The response to our invitation to get involved has been brilliant, so we have every chance of staging a celebration worthy of those entrepreneurial merchants and inventive engineers who were responsible for building this waterway two hundred years ago.

“Kennet is decked out in bunting to symbolise the two great shire county roses. It would be wonderful to be greeted by a sea of red and white as our procession sails along.”

After mooring up near to Roberts Park, to allow the public to get first hand views of the Kennet, it moved on to Bingley, where it was greeted by bellringing from the tower of Bingley Parish Church.

The boat was met at Three Rise Locks by the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Geoff Reid. Celebrations in Bingley continued throughout the day.

Tomorrow the Kennet is moving to Skipton, where it is to be visited by local schoolchildren and met by members of the Canal and River Trust, which supports the vessel’s running as an education boat, and canal historian Mike Clarke, who is president of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal Society.

Chantelle Seaborn, local waterway manager with the Canal and River Trust, said: “This epic boat journey is a wonderful way to mark the 200th anniversary of one of the most significant waterways in Britain.

“The opening of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal played a key role in Britain’s industrial revolution and encouraged the development of the textile industries in West Yorkshire.

“There are fewer industries along its banks today, but the canal still brings many benefits.”

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