About IWA Canalway Cavalcade 

Since 1983, this legendary event has brought communities together, transforming the heart of London's canal network. With over 100 colourfully decorated boats, arts, live music, refreshments, craft stalls, and family-friendly activities, the festival offers something for everyone to enjoy.

As one of the largest waterways festivals in the country, the Canalway Cavalcade is a cherished tradition within the local community. Boaters travel from far and wide to participate, and the event attracts visitors from across London and beyond.

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Canal Dream at the Cavalcade

​This marks Canal Dream's third year participating in the festival, and we are proud to have been recognised with awards from the Inland Waterways Association (IWA) each year.

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• 2022: The Marcus Boudier Trophy (for the best-decorated privately entered boat) was awarded to Rachel, steered by Mark Saxon, in collaboration with Canal Dream.

• 2023: Canal Dream, Slash Arts, and 2 Crew and a Cockapoo were runners-up for the Cruise Electric Trophy (for the best-illuminated boat).​

• 2024: The IWA honoured us once again with two awards:

  • The Marcus Boudier Trophy (for the best-decorated privately entered boat) awarded to Boat Galatee, owned by Simon Hodgkinson and Sarah LaBrasca of Slash Arts , in collaboration with Canal Dream CIC.

  • Boat Galatee was also a runner-up for the Cruise Electric Trophy (for the best illuminated boat in Sunday evening's Procession), owned by Simon Hodgkinson and Sarah LaBrasca of Slash Arts , in collaboration with Canal Dream CIC.

Floating Nature Machine​

Canal Dream and Slash Arts were proud to present the Floating Nature Machine multi-arts programme at Canalway Cavalcade 2024, including: 

• ​Art Exhibition: Floating Nature Machine

• Live Performance: Music, Performance, Dance, Poetry

• Film Night

• Pageant of Boats

• Procession of Illuminated Boats​​​​​