Villagers in Great Bedwyn will be really pushing the boat out when they join in the celebrations for the 200th anniversary of the Kennet and Avon Canal this summer.

The parish council is planning to celebrate the 200th anniversary on June 5 by re-enacting a barge trip from Hungerford Wharf to Bedwyn Wharf that took place in 1799 when that section of the canal was opened.

The trip will be aboard the Rose of Hungerford, the boat that the Queen travelled on when she visited the Caen Hill flight of locks in Devizes in August 1990. Her visit marked the completion of the restoration of the 80-mile canal that connects the River Avon near Bristol with the River Kennet at Newbury.

The councillors will be leaving Hungerford at 2.30pm and arriving at Bedwyn Wharf at around 5.30pm where they will be welcomed by a brass band.

Villagers will then join in a wharf party which begins at 6pm when it is hoped that two as yet unnamed celebrities will unveil a descriptive panel on the wharfside giving details of three circular walks, a potted history and details of wildlife in the area.

The party will include a hog roast, a bar with Wadworth’s K&A 200 ale, specially brewed for the anniversary, and a major exhibition in two marquees.

There will also be demonstrations of the old art of rope fender making and of traditional canal art.

There are plans for a painting competition involving three local primary schools with the entries on display in the nearby village hall on the day.

Crofton Beam Engines will be in steam that day from 10.30am until 6.30pm.

The cost of the boat trip is £10 including refreshments while tickets for the wharf party are priced at £5 and are available from David Harris (01672) 870133, Roger Durie (01672) 870955 or e-mail davidgongoozler@btinternet.com