Icicle Campaign Cruise Returns to Walsall Canal to Highlight Waterways Funding Crisis
Published: 12 March 2026
A striking flotilla of narrowboats will arrive in Walsall this March as part of a campaign cruise designed to raise awareness of the urgent need for increased funding for Britain’s inland waterways.
Organised jointly by the Birmingham Canal Navigations Society (BCNS) and the Fund Britain’s Waterways (FBW) campaign, the Icicle Cruise to Walsall Town Arm will bring together around 26 boats — including historic working pairs — in a powerful visual demonstration of support for the nation’s canal network.
Event Overview
- Date: Saturday 21 March 2026
- Location: Walsall Town Basin, Gallery Square, Walsall, WS2 8LG
- Key Time: 14:00 – Visit from the Mayor of Walsall
The flotilla will begin its journey on Friday 20 March, travelling down the Walsall Canal via the eight Ryders Green Locks before mooring overnight at Moorcroft Junction. On Saturday, the boats will continue into Walsall Town Basin where supporters, visitors, and local officials will gather.
A Visual Celebration with a Serious Message
From 11:00 on Saturday, supporters are invited to walk along the towpath and watch the flotilla arrive. Later in the day, the Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Louise Harrison, will meet boaters and campaign representatives at the basin.
While the event promises a fantastic photo opportunity, it also carries an important message.
This cruise marks a belated celebration of the reopening of the Walsall Canal, which had been closed for 10 months following a toxic chemical spill in August 2024.
The Impact of Canal Closures
The closure affected far more than boaters. Walkers, cyclists, anglers, and local communities were all prevented from using this important waterway.
The clean-up operation cost hundreds of thousands of pounds — funding that would otherwise have gone towards maintaining and improving the wider canal network.
This incident highlights a much broader issue: Britain’s inland waterways are increasingly vulnerable to pollution, climate impacts, and ongoing financial pressures.
Why Fund Britain’s Waterways Matters
The Fund Britain’s Waterways campaign was established to address exactly these challenges.
Britain’s canals and rivers are:
- Vital to local economies
- Essential for wildlife and environmental sustainability
- Important spaces for leisure, health, and wellbeing
- A key part of the nation’s industrial heritage
Yet without proper funding, their future is at risk.
The campaign is calling for a comprehensive national review of waterways infrastructure to ensure these assets are protected for future generations.
About the Organisations Behind the Cruise
Birmingham Canal Navigations Society (BCNS)
Founded in 1967, BCNS works to conserve, improve, and promote the historic Birmingham canal network. The society organises clean-up initiatives, educational activities, and boating events across the region.
Fund Britain’s Waterways (FBW)
Established in June 2023, FBW brings together over 160 organisations representing hundreds of thousands of waterways users. Its mission is to secure increased government funding and raise awareness of the economic, environmental, and social value of inland waterways.
Narrowboats flying FBW banners on a previous campaign cruise
(credit: Brian Sharples)
Get Involved
Whether you’re a boater, walker, cyclist, or simply someone who values Britain’s heritage, this event is a chance to show your support.
Come along to Walsall Town Basin on 21 March, enjoy the spectacle, and help shine a spotlight on the future of our waterways.
Need More Information?
For further details about the cruise or the campaign, contact:
Stephen Busby
FBW Project Manager
stephen.j.busby@gmail.com
07486 984677
