A FLOTILLA of steam launches will be mustering on the River Weaver for what might be the first time in history.

Eight of the steam-powered personal watercraft will be launched at Winsford Visitor Moorings on Friday, May 10.

The once-in-a-lifetime spectacle is part of the Canal and River Trust’s (C&RT) Steam at the Lift festival, which take place on Saturday and Sunday, May 11 and 12, at the Anderton Boat Lift.

A spokesman for C&RT said: “We’ve got eight steam launches on loan from the Steam Boat Association of Great Britain, which should be really lovely.

“A launch is like a gentleman’s dinghy, so not very big, but they can be very beautiful.

“There’s also the Daniel Adamson, which is the largest.”

According to C&RT, the best time to view the boats as they pass through Northwich town centre will be around 10am on the Saturday morning.  

Here are the beautiful launches you can expect to see on the River Weaver this weekend. 

Aurora

Northwich Guardian: Aurora's usual stomping ground is Lake Windermere Aurora's usual stomping ground is Lake Windermere (Image: SBA)

Originally a Broads motor hire boat with cabin, she was converted to an open steam launch with a vertical firetube boiler in the early 1980s. 

Emily Anne

Northwich Guardian: Emily Anne is not a launch, but a steam-powered narrowboatEmily Anne is not a launch, but a steam-powered narrowboat (Image: SBA)

Emily Anne is a relatively new boat built to the specification of Mr Tom Mason, the current owner's grandfather. She first steamed on November 22, 1992, and has cruised extensive on the canal and river system ever since.

Lollipop

Northwich Guardian: Lollipop spends much of her time on the East Kent StourLollipop spends much of her time on the East Kent Stour (Image: SBA)

Lollipop was built in 2001 in Norwich, and is admired for her varnished mahogany deck and interior. 

Cutty Wren

Northwich Guardian: The Cutty Wren is a bit of a flier, with a top speed of four knotsThe Cutty Wren is a bit of a flier, with a top speed of four knots (Image: SBA)

Cutty Wren has spend much of her life cruising the Brecon & Abergavenny Canal, but has recently moved to Cambridge, where she now calls the Cam her home. 

Senta

Northwich Guardian: Senta was converted to steam power in 1976Senta was converted to steam power in 1976 (Image: SBA)

'Multitudinous modifications' by the owner over the years, according to the Steam Boat Association's register, which adds: "Most of which turned out to be improvements."

Bethanne’s Rival

Northwich Guardian: Bethanne's Revival at an event on the River Trent in 2019Bethanne's Revival at an event on the River Trent in 2019 (Image: SBA)

According to SBA: "The first owner was an engineer at the railway works in Derby and his real interest was the steam engine which he made in the 1980s. He later bought the hull and undertook the detailed fitting-out over a period of 3 years, when he saw little of his wife, which gave rise to the name Bethanne's Rival."

Columbine

Northwich Guardian: Columbine on Lake Windermere in March 2022Columbine on Lake Windermere in March 2022 (Image: SBA)

A former Royal Navy steam cutter in the service of the Admiralty, Columbine was later found abandoned on the marshes, before being refitted as a steamer in 1980. 

River Song

Northwich Guardian: River Song will be mustering with the Northwich flotillaRiver Song will be mustering with the Northwich flotilla (Image: SBA)

Previously named 'Icthus', River Song was bought from its original owner in 2016 as a non running project, but has been lovingly restored by current owner Ian Heppinstall.