THE sun shone (mostly) on this year’s popular canal boat festival.

Colourful canal barges moored up on the Stourbridge Canal for the annual open weekend at The Bonded Warehouse, organised by Stourbridge Navigation Trust, which was held on Saturday October 19 and Sunday October 20.

The Bonded Warehouse - Sunday October 20 during the annual open weekendThe Bonded Warehouse - Sunday October 20 during the annual open weekend (Image: Bev Holder / Newsquest)

As well as a rally of around 50 boats, the free family-fun event in Canal Street featured an array of food, craft and gift stalls, vintage vehicles on show, a real ale bar, live music and leisure boat trips.

Canal boats moored up on the Stourbridge Canal for the annual open weekend at The Bonded WarehouseCanal boats moored up on the Stourbridge Canal for the annual open weekend at The Bonded Warehouse (Image: Bev Holder / Newsquest)

Eco project Riverside House, located at the end of Canal Street, also welcomed visitors on both days.

The event is the biggest in the trust’s annual calendar, attracting thousands of visitors from far and wide over the course of the weekend.

Visitors at the annual open weekend at The Bonded WarehouseVisitors at the annual open weekend at The Bonded Warehouse (Image: Bev Holder / Newsquest)

Saturday’s sunshine enticed the crowds, with good visitor numbers also reported on the Sunday despite a rather wet and windy start to the day.

A spokesperson for the Stourbridge Navigation Trust said: “We were blown away by the number of people that turned up over the weekend – even in the deluge we had yesterday morning.

“The popularity of the event never ceases to amaze us, and that people come from far and wide to enjoy it.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the support we get from everybody that comes.”

Canal boats at the annual open weekend on the Stourbridge CanalCanal boats at the annual open weekend on the Stourbridge Canal (Image: Bev Holder / Newsquest)

He said the event would not be possible without the tireless efforts of volunteers who work to plan and coordinate the event and he added: “If anybody is interested in helping us out in any way they’re more than welcome to get in touch with us.

“We’re always on the lookout for more volunteers, especially for our Tuesday club - a band of volunteers that helps with the maintenance and upkeep of the building.

“Without our volunteers we would not be able to run this event. They work tirelessly.”

Anyone interested in volunteering can contact the trust via its Facebook page or website.