THE popular ‘Bikes and Boats’ Festival, inspired by Ellesmere Port’s bike carnivals of the 1900s, will be back on Sunday (July 15) for the second year running.

The fun-packed day, organised by Sustrans and the National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port, includes a decorated boat-themed bike ride from Whitby Park to the museum with a send-off by the town’s brass band.

There will also be a ‘Mini Bike & Boats’ event in Whitby Park for youngsters on scooters and stabilisers and anything else with wheels.

The National Waterways Museum will offer free admission that day and there will be a packed programme of bike and boat activities, including Danny Butler’s Extreme Mountain Bike Show, novelty bikes and a competition for the best dressed bikes.

Sustrans organiser Ali Dore said: “Ellesmere Port was once a fantastic place for cycling and local people celebrated that every year with the colourful bike carnivals.

“Bikes and Boats Festival recreates the spirit of that event and will be a fun day out for all the family. The National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port will offer free entry that day and the awe-inspiring Danny Butler will be performing specially.

“This is a great chance to try out cycling on the National Cycle Network through the town and along the canal. Please visit the Sustrans Northwest Facebook page to sign up.”

Graham Boxer, head of museums for the Canal & River Trust (the charity that runs the National Waterways Museum), said: “The local waterways offer a great place to cycle, walk and take time out.

“Our research has shown that spending time by the water makes people happier and improves their wellbeing. So, we’re delighted to once again be organising this wonderful community event with Sustrans.

“We look forward to welcoming everyone to the museum for a free visit where they can discover more about the fascinating story of the canals they’ve just enjoying cycling along.”

Sustrans has been working with the local community in Ellesmere Port for two years to help identify ways to improve public spaces and encourage more walking and cycling. Route 563 of the National Cycle Network (NCN) links Ellesmere Port to the canal and the National Waterways Museum.

The Ellesmere Port Community Places project is based on a concept first developed in the streets of New York. Sustrans community street designers use simple ideas such as pop up outdoor cafes, plants and temporary art installations to calm roads and encourage people to reclaim the streets as public spaces for community events, walking and cycling.

Sustrans created the National Cycle Network, over 16,000 miles of walking and cycling routes across the UK, including many traffic-free paths.

Ellesmere Port Community Places project is funded by the Peoples’ Health Trust using money raised by HealthFit.

The Bike and Boats event starts in Whitby Park at 10am.