The 2025 Brownhills Canal Festival was another resounding success, despite the threat of canal stoppages due to the hot weather
Thousands of visitors turned out for the event held in the sunshine on 16–17 August along the Wyrley & Essington Canal at Silver Street, to celebrate the canal and enjoy community spirit, making this year’s event one of the most vibrant yet.
The festival transformed the canal in Brownhills into a bustling hub of activity, with historic narrowboats, floating traders, craft stalls, food vendors, and paddlesports with the Sutton Coldfield Canoe Club drawing visitors of all ages. Ebony the shire horse proved a crowd favourite, while the music added a folk touch to the weekend.
Christine Howles, Communications & Marketing Trustee, said:
“Despite low water levels and the threat of canal stoppages due to the hot weather, the festival showcased the enduring importance—and deep affection—for our waterways. It brought rare boat traffic to the little-used canal at Brownhills, offering a glimpse of what’s to come once the Lichfield Canal restoration is complete. This vital link will reconnect Brownhills to Huddlesford, revitalising the route and reaffirming its role in heritage, ecology, and community life.”
LHCRT extends heartfelt thanks to all volunteers, stallholders, performers, and visitors who made the weekend so memorable. Your support helps bring canal restoration to life—and keeps our shared heritage flowing.
Planning is now in the final stages for the September canal festival Huddlesford Heritage Gathering as well as starting for the 2026 Brownhills Canal Festival.
