Bristol's floating harbour celebrations

Release Date:  01-May-2009

This weekend, Bristolians are set to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the opening of the city’s floating harbour, Avon New Cut, and Feeder Canal.

Groups from across the city, led by the Underfall Yard Trust, are organising events throughout 2009 to celebrate the history of the Harbour and its continuing importance for commercial and leisure pursuits.

Highlights will include a major photographic art installation, a new book, an education pack for teachers, and fun activities throughout the year.

Events get under way with a  ‘Fun Day’ from 12.30pm to 5pm on May 4 (Bank Holiday Monday), next to Brunel’s ss Great Britain. It will be officially opened by the Deputy Lord Mayor, Cllr Royston Griffey, at 1pm. The event will include:

· ‘Tales of the Cut’ performed by acclaimed Bristol theatre company ‘Show of Strength’;
· Irish and Morris dancers;
· A jazz band, which will also perform on the Harbour Railway steam train;
· Sea shanty singers;
· A treasure hunt;
· Fascinating historic facts and images;
· A hog roast and specially brewed beer, ‘Cut Blaster’ created by the Bristol Beer Factory; 
· Plus fun and games for children.

From May 6 to 15 the Avon New Cut Photographic Exhibition will be on show at the Create Centre, on Cumberland Basin in Bristol.

The Fun Day and photographic exhibition are free events organised by the Friends of the Avon New Cut. The celebrations are supported through funding from the National Lottery’s ‘Awards for All’ and the Quartet Community Foundation.

Spokesperson for the 200th anniversary celebrations, Alderman Pat Roberts, said: “This year marks the 200th anniversary of the completion of the Avon New Cut and Feeder Canal and the opening of Bristol’s Floating Harbour.

“Celebrations of this important event in our city’s history will go on throughout 2009, starting with the launch of Bristol Floating Harbour 200 and a special Fun Day on May 4.

“These waterways transformed Bristol 200 years ago, helping to maintain the city’s commercial success. Today they play a vital part in the city’s cultural life, and generate vital income through tourism and leisure activities.”

Summer events will be announced and publicised through Destination Bristol’s website.

Organisers include the Friends of the Avon New Cut (FrANC), the Museum of Bristol Project, the Create Centre, the Underfall Yard Trust, the Bristol Ferry Boat Company, Destination Bristol and the ss Great Britain Trust.

Author:   Helen Hewitt, 922 2646.

For all media enquiries relating to this press release, please contact Corporate Communications on 0117 922 2650.

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