It brings together a large number of different
family attractions that are centered around the village. The Ashby Canal runs through
Shackerstone and the village is also home to a heritage railway. However for one weekend in September this sleepy Leicestershire village comes alive
to the sounds of vintage vehicles, fairground rides, aircraft and no end of other
unusual noises. This is the weekend of the Shackerstone Family Festival.
This event is run by the villagers of Shackerstone,
members of the Ashby Canal Association, Leicestershire & Rutland 4x4 Response
and other enthusiastic Friends of the Festival. The
monies raised by the show are donation toward usually two charities, one national and one
local. The organising groups have also received donations in
previous years.
The village has benefited with a
children's play area, restoration of the church and the installation of litter bins.
Attractions in the village include St
Peters Church, which in previous years has been the venue for a flower festival, a
children's playground and village history.
The main event field is located close to both the
village and Ashby Canal. Here the arenas, craft tent, beer
tent, trade stands, fairground rides and the majority of the vehicle, machinery and other
displays can be found.
Over past years the arena has been home to many
different displays throughout the weekend. Marching bands, historical battle
re-enactments, stuntmen, vehicle parades, parachutists, Roman charioteers, TA heavy
equipment demonstrations and even a cow-pat lottery (surreal, but true!).
There is one of the largest gatherings of vintage
narrowboats in the Midlands on display on the Ashby Canal and traction engines can be seen
in steam with the occasional trip to the local pubs to 'refuel the drivers'.
...and of course there is also the
opportunity to ride on the canal and visit the village during the day.
There is truly something to appeal to
everyone.
