Families looking for fun, free activities over the summer holidays can enjoy a relaxing day by the water at one of national charity Canal & River Trust’s popular Let’s Fish! events.

Taking place at canals across the North West, the UK’s biggest programme of angling events offers people of all ages the chance to try fishing for the first time – or pick it up again – with expert guidance in a safe and welcoming setting.

In the North West, families can take part in events at:

• Sankey Canal – Newton-le-Willows (Merseyside)
• Shropshire Union Canal – Croughton, Ellesmere Port, Great Broughton and Nantwich (Cheshire)
• River Weaver – Winsford (Cheshire)
• Weaver Navigation – Frodsham (Cheshire)

Let’s Fish! is a national programme supported by local angling clubs and made possible thanks to funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. With all bait and equipment provided, participants aged six and over receive one-to-one coaching from qualified, licensed angling instructors.

John Ellis, head of fisheries & angling at the Canal & River Trust, said:

“Fishing is a brilliant way to enjoy the outdoors and connect with nature, and our Let’s Fish! events are the perfect introduction. They’re friendly, inclusive and ideal for children and adults alike – whether you’ve never picked up a rod before or haven’t fished in years.

“We’ve got plenty of sessions running throughout the summer in the North West, giving families a great excuse to get out by the canal, learn a new skill and maybe even catch their first fish!”

With events spread across the Canal & River Trust’s 2,000-mile canal network in England and Wales, Let’s Fish! plays an important role in encouraging more people to discover the wellbeing benefits of spending time by the water, helping them feel healthier and happier, while learning about local wildlife and heritage.

The Canal & River Trust encourages all Let’s Fish participants to experience fishing alongside others of similar age groups at club or academy events. After that, many decide to take part in a local Daiwa Regional Celebration, taking place throughout the summer. Sponsored by fishing product specialist Daiwa, they are a chance to try out new skills, supported by licensed Let’s Fish! coaches. These culminate in two flagship events in the autumn: the National Celebration of Young People and Fishing, sponsored by Guru with support from Angling Direct, and the Daiwa Global Communities Celebration. 

For details of this year’s current event programme, visit the website. To manage numbers on site, participants are required to book their place in advance. Let’s Fish! events range from free to £5 per session, with the National Celebration priced at £7.50

To find out more about People’s Postcode Lottery, please visit the website.

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