In 1826 the port and town of Goole was opened by the arrival of 50 vessels which had navigated along the length of the new Knottingley to Goole Canal arriving to much fanfare at the newly built Goole Docks. Two hundred years later, with a nod to what happened in 1826, a fleet of waterways craft will navigate along the canal from the Dog and Duck by Goole Marina, through South Dock bridge, around the docks and back again.

There will be an interesting mix of waterways vessels – cruisers, Dutch barges, narrow boats, historic keels, commercial barges, tugs, launches and fast ribs – all led by an ABP survey vessel. The flotilla will be dressed up and there is likely to be much sounding of horns to show that this is a celebration of the port’s two hundred year heritage.

Timetable

The estimated timetable for the event on Saturday 18 July is:

• 12.30pm: Assembly of flotilla in Dog and Duck area of canal by Goole Marina from where you will be able to wave them off.
• 2.00pm: Flotilla sets off.
• 4.00pm: Flotilla returns to Dog and Duck and disperses.

Viewpoints

The public are invited to view and photograph the flotilla as it proceeds around Goole Docks:

• The assembling of the flotilla in the canal from Goole Marina and Spicers Auctioneers premises on the banks of the canal accessed via Dutch River Side.
• Public walkways around the docks will provide good viewpoints, particularly from the section between Lowther Bridge and Barge Dock.
• The two road bridges on Bridge Street at West Dock and South Dock should also afford a good view of the event.
• Goole Model Boat Club site on Dutch River Side will offer a great view of the flotilla as it passes through South Dock on its outward and return journeys.

Photographic Competition

If you are aged under 25 years old, you are invited to participate in our photographic competition. You’ll just need your phone. See our separate page for details and how to enter.

Your entry must be a photo or video of the flotilla event taken on the day.