AROUND 15,000 visitors made the 18th Skipton Waterways Festival held in and around the canal basin a huge success this year.

Organiser Ian Clarke, of Pennine Cruisers, said he was delighted to see numbers up again after a bit of a slump last year.

“It was a fantastic weekend, thanks to the support we had from Skipton Town Council and Skipton BID.

“There were 64 visiting boats which had travelled from as far away as the South Pennine Boat Club, in Doncaster. We also had 24 boats in the illuminated cruise on Sunday evening.

“The Tour de Yorkshire really complemented the event too. On Sunday it was more like a football match. It was quiet while everyone went to cheer on the cyclists as they came through and then as soon as it was over they all walked over to the festival.

“It was brilliant for the economy of the area. There were no bed and breakfast places or hotel rooms to be had and all the food and drink outlets were full which is just what we need.

“The weather was a bit chilly on Saturday and Sunday but overall it was okay. It just started to rain on Monday as the last musical act was on. It actually helped us because as soon as the band had finished playing, people dispersed and we were able to get on with the clear up.”

Annie Fawcett, supervisor at the Boat House Bar, near the canal basin, added: “It was a great weekend; it was mental. We were open all three days and the pub was packed out inside and out.

“Everywhere just seemed full of people. They all seemed to be having a great time and the whole atmosphere was fantastic. It was a brilliant event.

This year’s theme was the Swinging ‘60s and boats were bedecked with floral displays and images of the era.

Most of the bands played a mixture of modern and 1960s music to cater for everyone and there was street entertainment with Skipton Brass Band, a pipe band, Morris dancers and local music artists.

Visitors were able to see the decorated boats in the canal basin and along the off-shoot waterway which goes up behind the castle.

“It was good to see so many people come along over the three days. Last year it was quieter but this year we were full. We wouldn’t have been able to fit any more boats in if we had wanted to.”

Mr Clarke said the thanks for the organisation went to his daughter, Zoe, who had done all the hard work. He also thanked Skipton BID and the town council for their support.

He said they would start soon to prepare for next year’s 19th annual waterways festival and the details would be revealed at a later date.