Due to the unforeseen effects of climate change, a 50 mile radius about Blitherscrum hasn't had any rain since 2009.

Also for this reason, the water board has stepped in to takeover the canal from the inland waterways authority to use as a reservoir for drinking & domestic supplies.

Consequently, the cut can no longer be used by any boat traffic.

This has totally changed the character of the boat festival as even the River Blither has dried up, so the narrow boats have all had wheels fitted & driven via their Bollinger engines using a chain linkage system.

Other changes will be announced in due course, but the organising committe are determined that the festival will still go ahead.