THOUSANDS of visitors flocked to the 35th annual open weekend at Stourbridge's Bonded Warehouse.

Stourbridge Navigation Trust hosted the popular family fun weekend in Canal Street on Saturday October 20 and Sunday October 21.

Around 80 narrowboats descended on the Stourbridge Canal for the event which also included a classic car display, steam engines, amusements, canal boat trips on the trust's trip boat The Blackcountryman, fairground organ, hog roast, outdoor bar and a craft fair in the Bonded Warehouse.

Stourbridge Navigation Trust trustee Chris Dyche hailed the event a big success and said: “It was a delight to see thousands of local people enjoying all the amenities which our canalside conservation area has to offer. Blessed with glorious weather over both days, huge crowds flocked to enjoy a large variety of attractions, which included a craft fair in the Bonded Warehouse and trade stalls in the street."

The event, attended by the Mayor and Mayoress of Dudley, Councillor Alan Taylor and his wife Winifred, Dudley South MP Mike Wood and top brass from the Canal & River Trust, is the trust's biggest fundraiser of the year and Mr Dyche said: "Our objective is always to promote Stourbridge’s waterway and its environs for the benefit of everyone."

He said the trust was now gearing up for its popular seasonal Santa Boat trips in December.

Festive waterway outings with Father Christmas will run throughout the day on Saturday December 15, Sunday December 16, Saturday December 22 and Sunday December 23 and the afternoon of Friday December 21.

Tickets, which are now on sale, are priced £9 each and include a boat trip, Santa experience and gift for children - and a boat trip, Santa experience plus mince pie and drink for adults.

To book places call 01384 395216.