PEOPLE across Keighley and South Craven are being urged to join the greatest long-distance waterway party ever to mark the 200th anniversary of the opening of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

Community groups, schools, boaters and brass bands are all encouraged to get into the party mood for October and the culmination of a year of festivities.

Harold Bond, from the Leeds and Liverpool Canal Society, hopes people will turn out and give a hearty welcome to historic short boat, Kennet, when it recreates the first-ever boat passage along the canal in 1816. It will pass through the locks at Apperley Bridge, Bingley and Skipton as it makes its way from Leeds on October 15 to Liverpool, arriving nine days later.

Crowds are urged to turn out in their numbers as it passes through Crossflatts, Riddlesden, Silsden and South Craven.

The inaugural ceremonial journey. covering 127 miles across the Pennines. took five days, but the Canal Society crew, which runs Kennet as an educational boat, will take a more leisurely pace so more people can celebrate in daylight hours.

Mr Bond said: “Back in 1816, press reports state the ceremonial first boat was greeted by peeling church bells, brass bands and cheering crowds, and canal barges were bedecked in flags and streamers.

“We would love to create that spirit of celebration and achievement again. We are calling on heritage boats, boat clubs and boaters to create a flotilla of decorated boats to join Kennet along the way.

"It would be great to see crowds lining the canal as we pass by. Several mayors have already agreed to receive us and at least one brass band will be serenading us as we sail past!

"Kennet will be decked out in bunting to symbolise the two great shire county roses. It would be wonderful to be greeted by a sea of red and white as our procession sails along."

Sarah Knight, bicentenary co-ordinator for the Canal & River Trust, added: “Get in touch with us to be part of the greatest long distance, waterside party Yorkshire, Lancashire and Merseyside have ever staged.”

Contact her via sarah.knight@canalrivertrust.org.uk for further information.

All boats that spend at least a day with the ceremonial flotilla will be eligible for a free 200th anniversary plaque. E-mail friendsofkennet@gmail.com for more details.