Maria travelled from Guide Bridge to the top of Marple Locks for the Marple Locks Celebration.
On Saturday 3rd July Maria went down the top four locks, carrying passengers portraying Samuel Oldknow and his apprentices, re-enacting the first journey down the locks 200 years ago. Later in the afternoon Maria continued down to the bottom of Marple Locks before returning to Guide Bridge.
Maria was launched from Jinks’ Boatyard at the top of Marple Locks in July 1854, so this event was also celebrating the 150th anniversary of the first journey of Maria down the locks! Maria has been de-converted from being a passenger trip boat and restored to her original 1854 condition as an open working boat.