In pictures: Thousands enjoy Maidenhead Waterways Fun Day

Thousands flocked to the Waterside Quarter on Saturday to enjoy a day of fun, entertainment and attractions on and offer the waterway.

The free boat rides at this year’s Maidenhead Waterways Fun Day were particularly ‘successful’, with more than 100 trips taking place, Richard Davenport, chair of organisers the Friends of Maidenhead Waterways (FoMW), said.

The popular free-to-attend event kicked off from 10am and offered up model boats and plenty of tunes from the Devine Buskers.

Nearly 100 cub scouts took to the water alongside other canoeists, including those from Claires Court, and visitors also enjoyed some canoe taster sessions, run by the newly established Maidenhead Canoe Club.

Crowds had gathered in front of the main stage in the morning to watch musicians Elaine and Dave as they belted out a range of tunes, including a cover of Teenage Dirtbag by Wheatus.

A civic welcome on the main stage at 11.15am saw speeches from Maidenhead MP Josh Reynolds and Royal Borough mayor Mandy Brar.

The entertainment continued throughout the event, with magician Patrick Ashe, who appeared on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent, wowing the crowd with his interactive tricks.

Armed with colourful plastic balls, visitors gathered by the waterway twice across the day, to take on the ever-popular Crazy Flamingo Chase.

There were plenty of cheers and high-fives as people managed to land their ball into the inflatable flamingo’s basket.

Entertainers including a pirate stilt walker and a balloon artist roamed the event and a bubble fairy proved popular with youngsters. 

On the main stage, Mezzo-Soprano singer Charis Anne Luke entertained guests, before indie-pop band Courtlands Stories performed an array of songs, including a cover of George Michael’s Faith.

Taeppas Tump continued the fun with performances by the main stage.

Guests enjoyed treats from food vendors including Pizza Story and Greeklicious and browsed stalls from the Maidenhead Lions Club, The Soy Hideaway, Eco Action and the Maidenhead Scouts.

The Ocean Oarsmen had also brought along their boat, ahead of their Atlantic rowing challenge.

There were planes to see at The Joystick Club’s stall, and guests could also have a go on Maidenhead Bridge Rotary’s human fruit machine.

Visitors were also busy trying out rowing machines at Maidenhead Rowing Club’s stall outside Maidenhead Library, where Basil & Crew’s Mobile Farm was also situated.

Towards the end of the day, the rain had started, but that did not dampen spirits as many still enjoy music from the Waltham St Lawrence Silver Band.

Richard added: “It’s been very busy – three or four thousand [people], I would say, throughout the day.

“We’re delighted by the range of entertainment.

“We’ve even started canoe try-outs with our new canoe club, which have been very popular all day.

“Lovely to see the happy faces.”

He added: “There’s been a lovely variety of fun and entertainment for everyone.

“One of the major purposes of the event is [to] bring Maidenhead people into the town centre, to see how this part at least, has been transformed.

“I would say, [it has been] 100 per cent successful, just didn’t like the shower at the end.”

The event was sponsored by the Lous Baylis Charitable Trust, Sorbon, and Maidenhead Thames Rotary Club.