NATIONAL Waterways Museum Ellesmere Port – formerly the Boat Museum – is gearing up for a busy Easter.

A record 47 vessels are booked to attend its annual Boat Gathering.

The event brings together a wide variety of canal craft representative of those which have sailed along Britain’s inland waterways both past and present.

Visitors to the museum over the Easter weekend will be able to enjoy the spectacle of the boats moored at the seven-acre historic dock site and talk with the boat owners as well as joining in with all the attractions and activities taking place.

Final bookings too are still being taken from last minute boaters who wish to join in the fun.

Traditional craft demonstrations, folk music, family entertainment, children’s make’n’take workshops and an Easter egg hunt will be taking place throughout the weekend during museum opening hours each day, from 10am to 5pm.

A family of five (two adults/three children) can visit for under £20.

On Easter Monday as an additional attraction, a fleet of Morris Minors, will be gathering on the museum car park from 10am before setting off at around 1pm for Mouldsworth Motor Museum.

Visitors are welcome to talk to members of the Merseyside branch of the Morris Minors Owners’ Club and view their classic cars.

A new soft play area is available for younger visitors and a boat trip along the Shropshire Union Canal or a bite to eat in the waterfront café completes the experience.

More details can be found on the museum website at www.nwm.org.uk/ellesmere