IWA Festival

Couple of weeks ago, after our holiday in Wales (not on a boat), we journeyed home via Wolverhampton to visit the IWA National Festival.
Not knowing what to expect, we were pleased to get £2 each off the entrance fee thanks to our recent subscription to Canal Boat magazine; that with the kids getting in for free (as they were obviously accompanied) we had a day exploring the festival site for £11 - bargin!
When we arrived, we knew it was going to be a nice day, but there had been lots of rain in the week leading up to the event, as a result the ground was a little "soft" to say the least.
We were pleased to see that "Wild over Waterways" had arranged a number of activities for the kids to do as you explore the site. As we entered from the main site entrance, the kids immediately had the opportunity to try laying some bricks, and they both made darn site better job than I could!
The IWA tent had a number of activities for the kids as well which was good and got them well on their way to completing their "passports".
As we walked through the site, we came across a couple of young owls being carried on the hand by some bird of prey handlers who took the time to "sell" their site in Cambridgeshire to us. (Can't remember the details but it sounded a good venue).
The boys found the circus tricks tent and had a go with a few things before we moved on again. Next was making some rope - I got the impression from the boys that this was of more interest to Sally and I than the boys although they did get to keep the section of rope they made.
Next was the historic boats; first of all was President (and this is where I really kick myself for not using my camera which was hanging round my neck!). President is certainly a fine looking craft and I would have loved to get a closer look.
As we came down the towpath, we passed "Emily Anne" who I "know of" from the CanalWorld.Net disucssions forum; down to the stop-lock and up the Staffs & Worcester brought us to Saturn - the restored Shroppie fly boat. We were given a "tour" of the back cabin which was really interesting and the boys couldn't believe that the whole family would have lived in such a small place!
Back round to the showground and a look for some more activies; a quick look at some of the display boats and time to head off (as the boys were getting tired).

Overall, a worthwhile day out and certainly value for money; when we're looking for a boat it will be worth visiting again if it's in the right area.