Crick Boat Show

Sponsored by Haven Knox-Johnston
 

Black and white drawing of a penguin on a canal boat, with Crick Boat Show 2026 event details in the top right-hand corner.

For a boat insurance quote:

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When?

23rd-25th May
(Trade & Preview Day – 22nd May)

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Where?

Crick Marina, Northampton

Our History in 2004

How much is it?

£12.96 – £47

What is it?

The Crick Boat Show is the largest inland waterways festival in the United Kingdom. It takes place at Crick Marina on the Grand Union Canal near Daventry in Northamptonshire every year over the late May Bank Holiday weekend.

The Show has the greatest display of new inland boats, both narrowboats and wide beams, and it transforms into Britain’s largest chandlery for three days when over 260 exhibitors bring together the whole spectrum of inland boating equipment and supplies.

The Crick Boat Show has become a popular destination for waterways enthusiasts wishing to modify or upgrade their boat, newcomers eager to get afloat for the first time, and those looking for a relaxing day on the water.

The show is organised by Waterways World magazine in collaboration with the Canal & River Trust and Crick Marina.

Logo for the Crick Boat Show, featuring a boat silhouette and text indicating sponsorship by Haven Knox-Johnston.
Person reading an illustrated booklet with images of a boat and a sailboat on the pages.

What can you expect?

  • Free boat trips
  • Real Ale and Cider Festival
  • Boat handling sessions
  • Masterclasses
  • Seminars
  • Trade & Preview Day
  • Canal & River Trust marquee
  • The Crick Tavern marquee
  • Music entertainment
  • VIP marquee
  • Activities for children
  • Favourite Boat in Show
  • The Crick Snug
  • Historic boats
  • And much more

PROUD TITLE SPONSORS OF CRICK BOAT SHOW

We’re delighted to return as headline sponsors of our favourite inland boat show.

Our long‑standing partnership with Waterways World – from the Favourite Boat in Show competition to the Trade & Preview Day – has grown year on year, and our continued title sponsorship reflects our commitment to the inland boating community. We’re proud to play our part in supporting the vibrant culture and spirit of life on the cut.

 

Visit us in our pavilion (stand V3)

At the show, everyone is invited to visit our Pavilion next to the main entrance to take a breather, enjoy our hospitality, and get to know the crew. This year we’re bringing even more to the stand, with new activities and fresh giveaways for 2026. Step inside to pick up some exclusive goodies – including our new doggy bandanas – along with our popular Living on a narrowboat and Buying a narrowboat guides, first launched at last year’s show and now firm favourites.

We’re also hosting a live “24 Hours of Crick” illustration project, where our guest illustrator will capture moments from across the show as they unfold, creating a unique piece of Crick Boat Show art over the weekend.

And as always, our experts will be on hand to chat about both boat and business insurance. Whether you’re a seasoned boater, liveaboard, trader or first‑time buyer, we’re here to help you find cover that fits.

Panel Discussion: Future of the Waterways

We’ll also be taking to the main stage for a special panel discussion exploring the Future of the Inland Waterways. This conversation will look at the opportunities and challenges shaping the next chapter for boaters, businesses and the wider waterways community.

Hosted by our very own Paul Knox-Johnston at 3pm on Saturday 23rd May in the Masterclass Marquee, this panel discussion is not to be missed.  Send us your questions now to ask the panelists live at Crick.

The expert panelists are:

  • Matthew Symonds, Head of Boating and Customer Service Support, CRT
  • Peter Johns. Crick Boat Show Director
  • Charlie Norman, Director of Campaign and Public Affairs, IWA
  • Tiffany Gale-Haynes, Owner of Enslow Marina and Partner in Kingsground Narrowboats
A man and woman are talking, with speech bubbles shaped like submarines above their heads.
A man and a woman stand side by side, holding hands and facing forward, drawn in a simple black and white style.

Floating Our Boat

Fran and Rich from YouTube channel Floating Our Boat will be joining Haven KJ on our stand once again on Saturday and Sunday, to meet with fans and share their experience of life on the inland waterways.  Having spent the last eight years continuously cruising the length and breadth of the UK waterways, they are a fantastic font of knowledge to dip into and discover everything you need to know.

Win a “Life on the Cut” illustration

Watch Crick come to life… and take it home.

Across the weekend, you’ll be able to watch our illustrator Mar Lopez bringing Crick to life through Life on the Cut – a brand‑new, tongue‑in‑cheek illustration packed with the funny, frustrating and unmistakably familiar moments of narrowboating.

Even better, you could win a framed copy of the finished artwork. We’re running a daily prize draw, with 2 winners drawn every day.

Black and white illustration of a person with glasses drawing on a tablet or laptop, viewed from the front.
A man, a child, and a dog ride on a canal boat, with the child and dog looking and pointing ahead.

Favourite Boat in Show

Once again, Haven KJ will be sponsoring the popular Favourite Boat in Show competition, with show visitors able to cast a vote for their pick of the best boat on display in 2026.  With the prestigious award always hotly contested, tablets for voting will be available in both the Pavilion and quayside Haven KJ marquees.

When is it?

Crick Boat Show 2026 will take place over the Bank Holiday of Saturday 23rd to Monday 25th May.

Friday 22nd May is the Trade & Preview Day when all boats and Quayside stands (and much of the Show Village and Boating Marquee) will be open to trade visitors and Preview Day ticket holders. This year the Trade & Preview Day is being proudly sponsored by our sister company Haven Knox-Johnston Commercial who will have a team of experts available to answer your marine trade insurance queries.

HKJ FAQs

FAQs

Where is Crick Boat Show held?

Crick Boat Show is held in Crick Marina in Northampton. The marina is located at West Haddon Rd, Crick, Northants, NN6 7SQ.

Can I camp at Crick Boat Show?

Yes! Caravans, RVs, and tents have their own camping area at the Crick Boat Show. Water, showers, toilets, sanitary, and garbage disposal are all available on site.

The campground has a small incline, so it is not completely level. Please note that capacity is limited and that availability cannot be guaranteed unless reservations are made in advance. Reservations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis.

Show tickets are not included in the price of a camping spot and need to be purchased separately.

You can book camping here

Where can I buy tickets for Crick Boat Show?

You can purchase tickets for Crick Boat Show at the gate or online at their website: Crick Boat Show

Tickets get snapped up very quickly so we always advise to purchase ahead of May when wristbands are distributed to ticket-holders!

Is there parking at Crick Boat Show?

There is plenty of car parking at Crick Boat Show, including disabled parking & facilities and there is no charge for this.

What kind of food do Crick Boat Show offer?

Fish & chips, farmer’s grill, baguettes & paninis, Indian rassoi, pizza, pasties, doughnuts, and tea & coffee are among the culinary options available around the Food Court during Crick Boat Show.

If you happen to be at the Marina, you can get a cup of coffee or tea from a charmingly restored vintage van.