Over the course of the weekend of 5th to 6th September 2026 nearly 600 visitors came to the wharf to take part in ACA’s Diamond Gathering. Aside from a heavy shower on Sunday, the weather was sunny and pleasantly warm throughout. Gates opened at 10 am and the event was formally opened on Saturday at 12 o clock by Paul Lees, the Chair of NWLDC. He arrived on the bow of Waterloo Sunrise accompanied by an accordionist.

Paul gave a brief speech outlining the history and aims of the restoration. As he stood on the stop gate, The Coat Tits, a folk group from Swadlincote, played a few tunes, which included a song they had penned specifically about the Ashby Canal. They performed a second set later in the afternoon.

Throughout both days RAM carried visitors to bridge 62 and back. The boat trips were essentially free of charge, but passengers were invited to drop a donation into the ACA’s Buckby can when they disembarked.

People mingled at the wharf, eating, drinking, reminiscing, inspecting the display of bricks and asking questions about the restoration plans at ACA’s mobile stand.  In general visitors were just glad to have an opportunity to meet up and be outside again without having to worry about the oppressive heat of the previous months. Shire Catering were rushed off their feet with food orders, as was the shop – so that the caterers could concentrate on cooking the food, we had decided on a voucher system, which meant that the BBQ food had to be purchased via the shop, making the shop busier than ever.

Sunday saw a raffle draw take place at 3 pm with three lucky winners.

Overall, the Diamond Gathering was a huge success, not least due to the unerring assistance of our volunteers. A substantial amount of money was taken in the shop and the feedback from the public, both in person and on social media, has been very positive.