Celebrating 250 Years of Parbold’s Canal Heritage, this is the 2025 show tent category list. We hope there’s something for everyone!
HORTICULTURAL
Exhibitors must provide own vases or containers. Exhibitors are requested to name varieties wherever possible.
1. The Boater’s Herb Box – A small herb garden that could be kept on a narrowboat.
2. Roses – Roses are traditionally used in canal folk art, perhaps yours can inspire some beautiful paintings!)
3. Waterway Wonderland – A miniature garden in a container inspired by the canal.
4. Canal Cargo Crops – A home grown fruit or vegetable arrangement inspired by the produce once transported by canal boats.
DOMESTIC
Food items to be displayed on your own plate, covered by cling film or in a see through box.
6. Victoria on the Water – Victoria sponge cake (no cream please)
7. Barge bake – Narrowboat themed celebration cake
8. Floating Picnic Savoury Bake – A dish that would be perfect for a canal-side picnic.
9. Roses & Castles – Cupcakes decorated with traditional canal folk art
CANAL THEMED CRAFTS
Section exhibits can be framed or mounted but no larger than A3. Each picture may have a 10cm x 8cm card showing title & medium with name of exhibitor on back). If we receive several pieces of the same type we will split the categories.
10. Captured in the Lock of Time – Physical artwork reflecting the past and/or present of Parbold’s canal.
11. Stitched by the Towpath – Embroidery or cross stitch
12. Wool & Waterways – Knitted, crochet or felt item
13. Quilting the Canals – A quilt patch or small textile piece inspired by canal scenes.
PARBOLD PHOTOGRAPHY
Not limited to cameras, phone photos are very welcome. Exhibits must not exceed A4 and they will be will be displayed using Velcro. Entrants name must be shown on the back. Entries can be black & white or colour.
14. Hidden Canal Treasures – Unusual or overlooked details from Parbold’s waterways.
15. Reflections on the Water – Capturing reflections in the canal.
16. Life on the Towpath – Images of people, wildlife, or activities along the canal.
17. Then & Now – A side-by-side recreation of a historic canal photo in modern times.
NOT SO DOMESTIC GODDESS
18. Most Titanic-Looking Baking Disaster – A bake that went terribly wrong but still floats (or sinks!). Just bring in (or send us) a photo…we don’t need to put the judges through tasting 😄
19. Something That Looks Like It Belongs in a Canal – An odd object that could have been dredged up from the bottom.
20. Best Use of a Household Item as a Makeshift Flower Pot – Bonus points if it’s vaguely boat-shaped.
21. Canal Boat Name Generator – Come up with the best (or worst!) name for a narrowboat.
FAMILY STUFF YOU CAN DO TOGETHER
Families come in all shapes and sizes, if you think of yourselves as a family that’s OK by us.
22. Canal Scene in a Shoebox – Create a miniature scene of canal life, past or present.
23. Float Your Boat – Create a small boat from recycled materials (bonus if it actually floats!).
CHILDREN’S COMPETITION
We understand that children may need help with equipment but please remember this section is for children to exhibit work they have done ON THEIR OWN. Age will be considered when awarding prizes and the age of the child should be visible on the exhibitors card.
Up to and including age 5
24. Colouring on the canal – Use our canal boat colouring template! Download here to print at home.
25. Biscuit Barges – Plate of decorated biscuits
Age 6-10
26. Postcards from the Canal – Drawing or painting a scene from Parbold’s canal.
27. Canal Coal Crunch – Coal was the most significant cargo carried on the Leeds Liverpool Canal. Create a biscuit or rocky road-style treat with a rough, coal-like texture.
28. Build a Boat – A model-making challenge (Lego, recycled materials, etc.).
29. Message in a Bottle – A creative writing challenge imagining a message floating down the canal.
30. The Boatman’s Bonnet – A challenge to create a hat inspired by canal culture.
Age 11-16
31. Postcards from the Canal – Drawing or painting a scene from Parbold’s canal.
32. Waterway Wonders – A freestyle baking challenge where entrants create anything inspired by Parbold’s canal.
33. Floating on History – Design and build a floating model barge (bonus if it actually floats in water!).
34. Message in a Bottle – A creative writing challenge imagining a message floating down the canal.