NARROW boats from all over the country will start to arrive at Winsford’s brand new marina next week, ahead of the biggest waterside event the town has seen in decades.

Among highlights of this year’s Salt Fair will be a flotilla of more than forty vessels that will reach the Flashes on Friday, September 19 – marking the end of a ceremonial Poppy Cruise along the Weaver.

Each vessel will bring a poppy wreath ashore – supporting Salt Fair 2014’s special focus on the centenary of the First World War.

Boats will be moored from the Red Lion around the island and in the main marina site, where a host of entertainments and activities are planned, including an audacious attempt to set a new Guinness World Record for 'The Largest Sailing Event Ever in the World'.

At 7pm on Saturday, September 20, town mayor clr Gina Lewis will host a special evening at the Lifestyle Centre. ‘On the Home Front’ promises an evening of dance, dining and nostalgia to mark the centenary of the start of the Great War.

A town council spokesman said: “Despite the horrors of the conflict and the immeasurable loss of life, it is easy to forget that at the outbreak of War, there was great rejoicing and patriotic fervour as men marched off to war to the cheering and flag waving of huge crowds. It is that atmosphere that our ‘On the Home Front’ evening will seek to re-create.”

The event will feature dancing to Gerry Jones and the Liverpool Country Dance band, a Hot Pot supper, British Legion activities, a tombola and raffle.

Tickets £12.50 available on 01606 593582. All profits to the mayor’s charities.

For more on the regatta, contact Nigel Hughes on 0151 650 1015 or email nigel@birkenheadymca.co.uk See next week’s Guardian for a full run-down of what’s on where at Salt Fair 2014.