Travel the Mid-Worcestershire Ring and enjoy inspiring artworks along the way

From March, a series of events and art installations will take place to celebrate the 21-mile circle of historic waterways which make up the Mid-Worcestershire Ring.

The route, which reopened seven years ago following the restoration of the Droitwich Canals, flows through the urban and rural landscapes of Worcester and Droitwich, via the Droitwich Canals, part of the River Severn and a section of the Worcester & Birmingham Canal.

The Mid-Worcestershire Ring, also known as The Droitwich Ring, can be explored on a short break canal boat holiday from Drifters’ canal boat hire bases at Worcester or Stoke Prior, or on a week’s holiday from Tardebigge and Alvechurch.

The Ring arts programme, which is supported by the Canal & River Trust, features internationally acclaimed artists working with local communities to create a series of unexpected and inspiring artworks that explore the heritage, ecology and people along the waterways of Worcestershire.

Between March and September, audiences are invited to explore The Ring by boat, on foot or bicycle to discover activities taking place along the Mid-Worcestershire Ring waterways.
From sculpture and street art to music and poetry, the artists confirmed for The Ring include:

Rich White, Occupation (Diglis Island Residency), Diglis Island, Worcester (March – Sept 2018)
Bristol-based sculptor Rich White who will be taking residence on and exploring the heritage of Diglis Island, during which he will explore the island’s history and future, and create a temporary, large-scale sculpture, entitled Occupation.

Heather Wastie, The Muck and Shovel Brigade, Droitwich Canals
Former Worcestershire Poet Laureate, Heather Wastie has written a series of poems that sparkle with wit and warmth, inspired by the Droitwich Canals, the people who restored them.

Katy Beinart, Saltways, Vines Park, Droitwich and Droitwich Heritage Centre (May – Sept 2018)
Brighton-based interdisciplinary artist Katy Beinart will explore Droitwich’s historic past as a salt production centre, exporting salt around the world via vital canal routes and other ‘Saltways’.

NEON, Weorgoran Pavilion, South Quay, Worcester City Centre (15 – 24 June 2018)
This innovative performance pavilion will host a vibrant programme of literature, music, dance and workshops led by local artists.

Dave Crowe, Shire Skies, South Quay, Worcester City Centre (15 – 24 June 2018)
Beatboxer Dave Crowe and Stranger Faces headline our opening night performances on The River Spectacle stage (15 June) with a lively mix of funk and beatbox sounds.

Emily Speed, Hollowware, Diglis Canal Basin, Worcester (August 2018)
Working with the Museum of Royal Worcester, sited a short walk from The Ring’s route, Emily Speed presents an interactive performance work.

Lucy McLauchlan, Opening the Floodgates, Oil Dock Basin, Worcester (August – September 2018)
Lucy is one of the UK’s leading female street artists and her internationally acclaimed, large-scale monochromatic paintings combine ancient, almost prehistorical influences with graphic sensibilities.

To find out more about narrowboat holidays on the Mid-Worcestershire Ring visit https://www.drifters.co.uk/