Rescheduled flotilla set to mark landmark anniversary

THOUSANDS of visitors and residents are due to line the banks of the River Ouse in York this weekend to witness a flotilla to celebrate the city’s 800th anniversary since being granted a Royal Charter.

The event, which will feature more than 200 vessels, has been rescheduled after the original flotilla was postponed due to high river levels in July following heavy rain.

The flotilla will be staged between 12.30pm and 4pm and will be led by canoes, including members of York’s Canoe Club, and then rowers, many from York City Rowing Club whose members include Olympic bronze medal winner Tom Ransley.

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The smaller vessels will be followed by bigger powered boats, such as the cruisers of Naburn Marina and York Motor Yacht Club. The flotilla will then see narrow boats and barges – including a rare German-built Amphicar – with a number of inflatable craft ending the parade.

The boats will include craft from Goole and Doncaster as well as those belonging to members of Ripon Boat Club, one of the UK’s largest inland waterway boat clubs.

The flotilla is part of a year-long celebration to mark the 800th anniversary since York was granted a Royal Charter by King John on July 9, 1212.

The move has been heralded by council leader James Alexander as York’s equivalent of the Magna Carta, as the charter allowed the chance to elect officials and collect taxes and gave residents a say in how the city was run.

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