Free Maidenhead Waterways Fun Day

We have teamed up once again with Friends of Maidenhead Waterways, the Waterside Quarter and the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead to bring you the 2nd annual Waterways Fun Day on Saturday 22nd April 2023 from 10am until 3pm.

​The event is free to attend and open to all with lots of fun activities planned including a canoe cavalcade, canoe and paddle boarding, live music, wild quiz/walks, stalls and so much more.  Visitors will be able to enjoy refreshments from the many independent retailers including ice creams, hot food and freshly made coffees and teas...we're trying to cover every weather type!

This year promises to be bigger and better than last time as we expand the water-based fun and stalls along the closed High Street and inside the brand-new Waterside Quarter; and have more live music and activities for all to enjoy!  But don't worry the Crazy Flamingo Chase is most definitely making a come-back!

​Location?
Most events will be based in and around the closed High Street above the water basin near Bakedd/Coppa Club, with live entertainment on a raised stage by the Stag on the Chapel Arches bridge (opposite Coppa Club).  Other activities will use Maudsley Gardens and the amphitheatre.

Where can I park? There are several town centre pay and display car parks nearby including Hines Meadow (Sainsbury's).

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Programme

Join the Cavalcade

On the Water
Water-based fun including a Canoe Cavalcade, the crazy Hoppy Place Flamingo Chase, model boat demonstrations, canoe and paddle board try outs and boat trips.

• 9.30am: Canoes gather in the northern Chapel Arches water basin
• 10am: Grand Entrance
• 10.30am onwards: Model Boat demos in the northern water basin
• 10.45am:  Hoppy Place Flamingo Chase
• 11.30am: Claires Court on the water
• 12.30am: Scouts on the water
• 1.15pm: Flamingo Chase 2
• 1.30pm: Meet the Waterways 'Fleet'
• 2.00pm: Flamingo Chase 3
• 2.15pm onwards: Boat Trips
• All day: Canoe and paddle board try outs from the Library banks

On the Main Stage

• 10.15am: Devine Buskers
• 11.15am: Civic Welcomes
• 11.30am: Thames Valley Chorus
• 12.15am: Morris Dancing (on pavement opposite)
• 12.30pm: Joanna Henwood
• 1.30pm: Elaine Skillen
• 2.15pm: Waltham St Lawrence Silver Band

All Day (10am-3pm)

• Basil’s Travelling Farm (by Library)
• Pedal Planes (in amphitheatre)
• Fire tender plus Rescue boat
• Police displays
• Rotary Hook a Duck Challenge 
• Market Area – stalls, crafts & food
  (between The Bear and Coppa Club)
• Wildlife Quiz/Walks
• Magician: Dale Shrimpton
• ​Balloon Artist 
• Vintage car

Canoeists and paddle boarders are invited to join us to celebrate and enjoy the restored town centre waterway, which is fully open to navigation between Town Moor and the new Green lane weir. 

We will officially start the event at 10.00am with a count-down led by the Town Cryer, before the Canoe Cavalcade sets off, emerging to music into the main water basin by Bakedd/Coppa. We want you to be part of it.
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If you, your friends or family have a boat and want to join the fun please send an email to [email protected] in order to receive final access and parking instructions.  

Book a Stall Space

There are a number of stall spaces (3m x 3m) available to both local charity groups and businesses.  These will be located mainly along the High Street above Chapel Arches and within the Waterside Quarter. We have a road closure agreed and places for stalls will be allocated in advance on a first come first served basis.  Click the button below to book your space.

Book a Stall Space

Musical Mermaids, Stilt Walkers and Bubble Fairy!

A new feature this year will include a roaming stilt walker, a bubble fairy and balloon artist to thrill and excite our younger visitors.  They may even find a musical mermaid or two for a truly enchanting experience!

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Event Aims

1. publicise and celebrate progress of the waterways project, now the York Stream arm is open, from Town Moor right through to the new Green Lane weir
2. explore and enjoy the slowly regenerating town centre waterside areas
3. incorporate a 2.2km long (round trip) canoe cavalcade open to all. 
4. provide a community event, with entertainment on and off the water, right in the town centre to help cheer us all up!!

So come and join the fun on Saturday 22nd April.

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Thank you to our sponsors

If you would like to discuss sponsorship opportunities with us – perhaps to fund a specific element, or to pay for a specific piece of equipment such as our PA system and receive linked publicity please get in touch with us today.