Nearly 25,000 visitors enjoyed the 2026 Crick Boat Show, as the inland waterways world came together at Crick Marina near Daventry.
The 25th running of the show brought together boaters, prospective boat owners, exhibitors and waterways enthusiasts from across the country for four days of boats, boating advice, live entertainment and waterside celebration.
A wide range of new and used boats were on display from many of the UK’s leading boat builders and brokerages, alongside a gathering of historic working narrowboats on the Grand Union Canal Leicester Line.
More than 200 exhibitors attended the show, with many reporting strong levels of interest and sales enquiries across the weekend despite temperatures soaring into record territory.
Alongside the boats and exhibitors, more than 2,500 visitors attended the show’s free programme of seminars and masterclasses covering every aspect of inland boating, from choosing and handling a boat through to maintenance, technical systems and cruising.
Challenges and hopes
There was also strong attendance at two special talks sessions, with one featuring a panel discussion on the challenges and hopes for the future of the inland waterways network.
The other saw show director Peter Johns in conversation with Canal & River Trust chief executive Campbell Robb, discussing how the Trust helps to shape the future of the inland waterways network.
One of the highlights of the weekend was the announcement of the Favourite Boat in Show award, decided through a combination of public voting and the verdict of a judging panel.
The 2026 title was awarded to Dexter’s Star, presented by Elton Moss Boatbuilders in collaboration with Ortomarine.
Away from the exhibition pontoons, a wider festival atmosphere remained central to the appeal of the event, with camping, live music and a real ale and cider festival.
