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Matlock Bath Illuminated Boats


It's a sort of annual tradition of mine to take the kids to see the Matlock Bath Illuminated Boats. I say "sort of" because it's been about five years since we last went. Oops! So to rectify that situation, we went earlier than usual this year. Turned out to be a good idea. The usual massive crowds experienced around half term week in October were nowhere to be seen. Much nicer!


The illuminated boats are a tradition started when the young Queen Victoria stayed in the village. Every year a competition is held for those who want to partake. This year's winner was Toruk Makto from Avatar.


Other finalists included Ecto 1 and Thomas the Tank Engine. I'm sure some of them have been entered before ...


There were the usual array of carnival type games on offer, including the biggest Hook-A-Duck I've ever seen. At £2 a pop it was perhaps a little too steep considering the 20p value of the prizes ...


Fortunately a good, old fashioned playground was available. Of course it had to be dark for the illuminations, but that never stops a roundabout.


To end the entertainment, the boats did one final pass under the bridge.
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