FOR many years the waterways of Northwich have been the lifeblood of the town and provided a beautiful setting for its people.

So it is no wonder that the forthcoming Northwich on Water Festival 2000 is expected to be a great success as the town honours the River Weaver and the history it has forged.

The main focus and venue for this year's millennium celebration from 11am, on Sunday, September 17, will be the Anderton Boat Lift.

Its current reconstruction will not only take everyone back in time but could mean a predicted cash injection of £112 million per year to the local economy in revenue from tourism.

Festival organiser Fiona McDonald said: "The festival helps remind us that we have a large and beautiful river running through the town, along with the River Dane and the Trent and Mersey Canal.

"And even though the celebration only comes once a year the wildlife, plants, waterways and the River Weaver's many boats and sights are with the people of Northwich everyday.

"The festival falls during the National Heritage weekend and what better way to look back at the river and the town's history than to bear witness to the restoration of the Anderton Boat Lift."

The lift, on the River Weaver, which was described by Martin Bell as the 'Eiffel Tower of the waterways', is expected to be restored to its former glory by September, 2001.

Engineers have already dismantled large sections dating back to 1875 and blasted the steel work to remove rust and discover areas in need of repair.

A separate part of the lift, dating back to 1908, and which consists of the working cogs and gears will be refurbished and set up as a static monument.

Project Engineer Jamie Gray said: "The hydraulics for the lift will have to be new to enable it to work again but the restoration is being carried out along English Heritage guidelines so this magnificent structure will retain its historical value."

The lift was built to connect the trade routes of the Trent and Mersey Canal to the River Weaver 50 feet below. It has become the prototype for boat lifts nationwide and is the only structure of its kind in England.

Generous donations have come from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Inland Waterways Association and English Heritage to help bring the lift back to life.

And a successful Start Her Up Appeal is only £50,000 off the £250,000 target needed to complete the £7 million restoration.

During the festival there will be hourly presentations about the lift from noon by engineering experts and lift author David Carden will be signing copies of his new book.

Fiona added: "We are expecting visitors from far and wide who can either enjoy a whole day of entertainment or enjoy an hour's break."

The festival, organised by British Waterways, Cheshire County Council and Vale Royal Borough Council, boasts falconry displays, water clowns, story-tellers, environmental displays, music, fairground rides and many visiting boats.

In the evening there will be a water pageant with a firework and light display from 7pm, along with a well-guarded surprise, before revellers can enjoy a bar and live music from the Bog Trotters.

Tickets for the evening event cost £3 and are available from Northwich Tourist Information Centre, in The Arcade, or by ringing 01606 353534.

Revellers can also travel to the festival by water taxis, boarding at the Town Quay in Northwich from 11.30am and on every hour afterwards, with return trips from Anderton to Town Quay every hour from noon.

For more details ring Fiona McDonald on 01244 390372.

Anyone interested in sponsoring the final phase of the lift's restoration can find out more ringing appeal organisers on 01925 201383 or by e-mailing rosslyn.colderley@thewaterwaystrust.co.uk.