Little Leigh Steam Party

Sutton Weaver Swing Bridge – Acton Bridge, Cheshire via turn at Marsh Lock

Saturday 3rd October 2026 | 11:00 – 14:30 then 1.5 hours to look around the Steam Party

This three-and-a-half cruise that sets off from our berth at Sutton Weaver Swing Bridge and we head towards the entrance to the Manchester Ship Canal - Marsh Lock - where we turn and head back up river, sailing through some of Cheshire’s most stunning countryside to our destination, above Dutton Locks - Acton Bridge, where we will arrive amongst other historic vessels who, like us, have travelled to Acton Bridge and the Leigh Arms pub to attend the Little Leigh end-of-season Steam Party. This event was started in the 1970’s by the late Peter Froud, and was a regular and popular venue for steam traction engine owners, including the late Fred Dibnah.  It was also, and still is at times, attended by the Steam Tug “Kerne” as well as smaller steam narrowboats. A collection of steam rollers and traction engines will be on the car park of the Leigh Arms pub when we arrive and your coach back to your car at Dormex is planned to depart at 16:00 giving you time to take in the visiting steam attractions and maybe get an excellent pint of Robinsons in the Leigh Arms before you head off!

Easy transport  :
We recommend parking at Dormex Containers WA7 3EG, which is free of charge and a short 5/7 minute walk to the Danny on her berth by the swing bridge.  (please note there is NO public parking at the berth)

Our coach will collect you at Acton Bridge at 16:00 after having had time to look around the visiting attractions at the Steam Party, and return you to your car at Dormex.