STOURBRIDGE’S annual canal boat rally proved another resounding success – despite being hit by gale force winds on Saturday.

Storm Brian took its toll on visitor numbers and traders on the first day of the popular Stourbridge Navigation Trust open weekend on October 21.

But on Sunday the sun shone and the crowds flooded into Canal Street and The Bonded Warehouse for the second day of the event which typically draws up to 100 boats and thousands of visitors to the Stourbridge Canal.

Chris Dyche, finance director for the trust, said: “Considering the weather on Saturday it went off very well indeed. Saturday’s weather hit the traders hard. It was so windy they had to leave – they were taking off, and with the dire forecast a lot of the exhibitors didn’t turn up. But on Sunday it was absolutely fabulous. The street and building was heaving with people. It was a very, very successful event.”

He said it is too early to say how much money the event raised for the trust but he added: “It’s one of our major fundraisers but we don’t charge the public. We like to put on an event which is free for people to wander round – to give something back to the community.”

The event also included a display of classic and vintage vehicles, organs and steam engines, a craft fair and outside stalls, fairground organs, refreshments and the chance to take a boat trip along the historic waterway.

Go to website www.thebondedwarehousestourbridge.co.uk to find out more about the trust and forthcoming events at The Bonded Warehouse, including the popular festive Father Christmas boat rides.