PLANS are underway for a celebration to mark the 200th anniversary of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

On Wednesday, October 19, Lord Lieutenants of Lancashire and West Yorkshire will join the National Children’s Orchestra and Duke of Lancaster regiment band to commemorate the 1816 opening in Blackburn.

MORE TOP STORIES:

They will welcome dozens of boats led by the Leeds and Liverpool Canal Society’s museum boat, the Kennet.

The boat will travel from Leeds to Blackburn and arrive as the bells of the town’s cathedral, St James’ Church and St Jude’s Church ring out.

The event, which starts at 2pm, has been organised by the Eanam Wharf Experience Trust, set up to turn the area into a visitor attraction.

Graham Vernon, trust member , said: “When the canal opened 200 years ago it had a massive effect on the town and its industry.

“Today Eanam Wharf and the canal is the hidden gem of Blackburn and I believe that the trust will help make it a fantastic tourist attraction.

“This event is going to be a great free family day and will be just the start of the huge transformation we have planned.”

Primary school children will dress for the occasion in red and white and will line the route, while the visiting Bethany Choir from Tanzania will perform.

Cllr Phil Riley, council executive member for regeneration, said: “I urge as many people as possible to come down to Eanam Wharf to support this historic event and to find out more about the exciting plans for this site.

“The Eanam Wharf Experience is a key part of the massive regeneration programme that is taking place across Blackburn and I look forward to working with the trust to make it the success it deserves to be.”

The event will start at 2.30pm at Eanam Wharf.