Doncaster Halloween ghosts ships event axed over canal weeds
Organisers say parts of the canal are ‘unnavigable’
Organisers of a popular Halloween illuminated boats event in Doncaster have been forced to pull the plug on this year’s event because the canal they were due to travel along is clogged with weeds.
The annual Ghost Ships of Doncaster event was due to take place along the canal between Kirk Sandall and Stainforth on October 31.
In recent year, large crowds have turned out to see the flotilla of illuminated boats sailing along the water.
A spokesperson said: “We have the made the very difficult decision to cancel this years Ghost Ships parade.
“The decision was made because of an unprecedented and sudden influx of weed blocking parts of the route.
“Unlike previous years, the weed is coming down in huge sections a lot later in the year than usual.
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“We have surveyed the canal as we do every year, and there are points which are just unnavigable.
“This is especially dangerous at night if skippers need to free themselves from the weed given the decorations and lights on the boats.
“We also understand that much more weed will be brought down through the section of canal, usually pulled along by the commercial boats you see.
“There is also the consideration of anyone falling in, with massive amounts of the weed covering many areas on the bank along the route. The safety of the participants and spectators has to be our prime concern.
“We are absolutely gutted to bring you this news as we have worked hard to make it happen this given the varying issues facing us.
“We wanted to get this decision out to give everyone a chance to make alternative plans for Halloween and we hope you all still enjoy your evening, whatever you get up to.
“We hope to bring parade back for 2027 and will consider what's happened this year in our long term planning for the event, considering ways ion which the Canal and River Trust can assist with such issues.
“We sincerely apologise and hope to see you all next year.”