Runcorn Sets Sail into a New Era: Aethel Launches, Murals Unveiled, and Community Spirit Shines
On Saturday 26th July, Runcorn celebrated a vibrant day of milestones as the town’s cultural and community spirit came alive. From the unveiling of the Dukesfield street art murals to the launch of Aethel, the first of two new passenger boats, the event marked a turning point in the Reconnecting Runcorn programme.
Excitement rippled through the crowd as Stephen J Holloran, Event Planner, and a new batch of volunteers in the Unlock Runcorn team, welcomed the first visitors aboard Aethel as Pink Tutu Guy, local fundraiser opened the event. The 65-foot passenger boat, with its intricate design and vibrant colours, offering visitors a fresh perspective on Runcorn’s waterways and heritage. From cream tea tours to private cruises, Aethel will soon be joined by her partner boat Freada. Together, they will unlock the Bridgewater canal with Halton voices narrating the history and journey of the canal and its pivotal role in Runcorn’s development.
[Image by Lauren A Quayle]
Councillor Dave Thompson said, “This is such a unique project for Runcorn with lots of local benefit and the event on Saturday 26th was just the start. I’m looking forward to seeing the project expand with the café over the coming year.”
This sentiment was echoed throughout the event with several residents saying, “It’s so great to see the boats in the water after the years of thought and planning.”
RLRS Chair Graham Wallace said, “This event has been a long time coming and we have been really excited to share this milestone with the public. Getting to see their first reactions to Aethel has been amazing. This is only the beginning of what’s to come, but we are passionate about getting the community involved at every step of the way—from enjoying a trip along the canal to getting hands-on and learning to become a skipper or boat hand. Now the boats are launching, there are so many opportunities for people to get involved and we hope to see more people getting aboard on this journey with us.”
[Aethel the new Unlock Runcorn boat on the Bridgewater Canal: Image by Lauren A Quayle]
Be one of the first onboard Aethel and Freada’s cruises along the canal when their trips officially launch in September, book your spot here.
Temple Transformation: Ubosot Hall Preview at Wat Phra Singh UK
Visitors were treated to a preview of the Ubosot Hall construction and plans for what this sacred space is soon to become, only the third of its kind in the UK. With over 16,000 visitors already drawn to the Peace Garden, the new hall promises to further develop the temple’s role as a cultural and community hub for Runcorn.
Official Opening of the Dukesfield Viaduct Murals
The day also marked the official unveiling of the Dukesfield Viaduct Murals—four striking artworks that breathe life into Runcorn’s rich history. Visitors engaged in mural-making workshops with artists from Hazlehurst Studios, enjoyed circus skills activities, and explored the new Æthelflæd stained glass window at All Saints Church. Refreshments were served at the Buddhist Peace Garden, and the celebration continued into the evening with a Hip Hop Night at Society Taprooms, bringing together generations through music and art.
[Image by Lauren A Quayle]
These projects are a part of Reconnecting Runcorn, one of 15 initiatives funded by the UK Government’s £23.6m Towns Fund, aiming to transform the town through improved public spaces, cultural investment, and community-led regeneration.
