VIDEO: Record-breaking event brings crowds sailing in

The village hosted its annual Water Weekend and for the first time in the festival’s history not a drop of rain fell.

Crowds enjoyed three action-packed days of warm and sunny weather.

Music, fairground rides and activities were among the attractions on offer at the 14th annual event.

The weekend also saw 1,600 people take part in a canal cruise, breaking a four-year record, but it could have been more if one of the boats had not broken down on the Sunday.

The 12 passengers on the Rachael had to be put ashore on the towpath when the boat’s engine stopped, putting it out of action for the rest of the day.

Other records were broken too and the crowds in the open canal basin area were the biggest organisers have ever seen.

Treasurer Eveline Hughes said: “Thanks to everyone. This helps to ensure next year’s event.

“We’ve already booked many of the attractions for 2014.”

Music played a big part too in Whaley Water Weekend - known as W3 - and the number of performing bands and acts over the weekend was also an all-time high.