HUNDREDS of people are expected to turn out for the Kennet & Avon Canal Floating Market in Bradford on Avon over the weekend.

Now in its third year, the floating market will be held on Saturday and Sunday 29 and 30 July from 10am to 6pm on both days. The event is organised and run voluntarily by members of the canal barge community to promote their way of life.

Market manager Sarah Golding said: “We will be showing some of the things it is possible to do in a small space like a narrowboat whilst also living aboard and cruising around enough to meet the guidelines we have to follow”

As with the last two floating markets, there will be boats and stalls selling goods made aboard from handicrafts to food, brass and woodwork. A full programme of entertainment will be happing on both days including musicians and bands from the canal community.

More than 30 traders are exhibiting their work, including canal artist Dru Marland, selling her new book “Drawn Chorus” and her canal maps as well as prints of her other work.

Skyravenwolf will be returning with their handcrafted leather goods and the Floating Salon Narrowboat and the Dawdling Dairy will also be attending. There will be workshops and demonstrations enabling visitors to get involved.

These include juggling, knot work, blacksmithing and lessons in playing the spoons and composing shanties. Fantasy Faces will be there offering face and body painting and glitter.

Sarah added: “This time, we will be welcoming some charities to talk about the work they do within our community.

"They include the Wilts and Berks Canal Trust, who are restoring the historic waterway that meets the Kennet & Avon Canal at Semington, and The Canal Ministries, who provide an outreach service from their boat Litania, for the most disadvantaged boaters.”

Due to the success of previous events, the Kennet & Avon Canal Floating Market is planning to expand and will be holding its first market in Newbury over the August Bank Holiday weekend. It will return to Bradford on Avon at Christmas.

For more information, please go to the Kennet & Avon Canal Floating Market Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/events/249797078813216/?ti=cl