After nearly ten years of planning and work by an army of volunteers the Canalside Heritage Centre at Beeston Lock is opening its doors for the first time on Saturday 24^th June, with a celebration centred on traditional entertainment. Amongst the first to step over the threshold will be several former tenants of the converted cottages who will have the opportunity to see how the bedrooms and kitchens they lived in as children have been transformed into an exhibition space, café and community hub. 

The guest of honour will be local Beeston Rylands resident Alice Grundy, now in her nineties, who lived in a narrowboat next to the cottages in the 1930’s when her young sister died in a drowning accident. A sculpture has been created for the garden of the Centre to commemorate the tragedy.

The opening events will start at 10.30 and there will be craft demonstrations, children’s activities and live music performed by local musicians. There will also be colourful displays of traditional dancing by members of the nearby Hindu Temple and the striking Black Pig Boarder Morris Dancers.

Apart from exhibitions documenting the history of the Rylands and its waterway the Centre will showcase local artwork and photography. There will be new café serving a variety of drinks, snacks and meals all made using locally-sourced produce. The elevated terrace that offers panoramic views over the river and the Trent Valley is expected to be particularly popular.

Other attractions at the event will include puppet Farmer Jolly, Shrek the Workhorse and ‘Winnie Moppet and friends’.