Tugs pull in the Crowds at Museum
Tug boats are set to pull in the Bank Holiday crowds at theBlack Country Living Museum where the bi-annual Tug Boat event takes place from Saturday 3 – Monday 5 May 2014.
Historic canal tugs, some dating back to the late 19th century, will be making a splash over the holidays. The canals were the arteries of the Black Country and the life blood of industrial Britain, criss-crossing the region’s canal network and beyond. Restored to their original splendour the tugs will capture a long-forgotten way of life on the canals.
Tugs boats will be put through their paces pulling old cargo boats, known as Joeys, in and out of the canal arm and the Museum’s historic lifting bridge will open and close to let them through. Each tug is capable of pulling a train of up to 6 boats, with every boat carrying around 25 tons each. The Museum’s wharf crane will transfer cargo from Joey boats onto vintage lorries. Traditional canal crafts will be demonstrated along the tow path and include fender making, sign writing, rag rug podging and boatmans’ belt making.
Steve Bingham, Harbour Master at the Black Country Living Museum said: “Working boats rekindle a forgotten way of life as they demonstrate cargoes being trans-shipped, fender making and canal art. This year’s event promises to be even bigger and better with rare tugs boats travelling from all four corners of the United Kingdom.”
Laura Turner, Public Relations Assistant (Acting) Tel: 0121 521 5692
Mobile 07508 741652 Laura. Turner@bclm.com
About the Museum
Established in 1978, Black CountryLivingMuseumis one of the UK’s leading open-air museums. Designated by Arts Council England for the quality and national significance of its collections, it is a remarkable place to explore, enjoy and spend time. Set in 26 acres with over 150 historic buildings and features, and attracting 240,000 visitors each year and over 8m people since it first opened, it offers a glimpse into 200 years of history like no other. The Museum (a registered educational charity) records and exemplifies the contribution and impact of the Black Countryregion since the 18thcentury to the development of the modern industrialized world. Black Countryfolk changed the world, and the Museum tells the story of a very special time and place in history and some of the most hard-working, ingenious and influential people you could imagine. It offers a visitor experience that few others can match. www.bclm.com
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