Dragon Canoe Fest

Enjoyed watching the UK national Dragon Canoe races from Andy’s Quay-side condominium this morning. The Quays are part of the historic Manchester Ship Canal,

Whilst the idea of linking Manchester with the sea by a navigable canal and river route can be traced back as early as 1660, it was not a reality until Queen Victoria officially opened the canal on 21st May 1894. Despite being some 40 miles from the sea, the Manchester Ship Canal allowed the newly-founded Port of Manchester to establish itself as the third busiest port in Britain. At its peak in 1958, the amount of freight carried by the canal was almost 20,000,000 tons

The Manchester Ship Canal remains a vital part of the North West's infrastructure, handling and storing millions of tonnes of cargo annually. It serves as a major transport route for various goods, including wind turbine blades, aggregates, chemicals, and construction materials. Beyond cargo, the canal supports production facilities, construction hubs, and offers various services like bagging and palletizing. The canal also facilitates pleasure cruises, allowing tourists to experience the canal and its history, including the Latchford locks and the River Mersey.Read more