More than 5,000 people are expected to attend a weekend canal festival in Banbury at the end of September.

The Inland Waterways Association (IWA) Boat Gathering, 29-30 September, will promote Banbury as a tourist destination for the association's 17,000 members.

Up to 50 narrowboats will be on display, with free canal trips, an exhibition of waterways history, and music among the entertainment along the towpath.

John Dalton, of the IWA Oxfordshire branch, said: "Now that redevelopment of Castle Quay and the surrounding area is near completion, the association has organised a major programme of events to focus attention on Banbury's waterway."

He added: "We want to improve the Oxford Canal in Banbury so that it becomes an attractive amenity for the town.

"We want Banbury to become a main visitor destination for people taking canal holidays."

Earlier this year, Banbury was described as a bruise on the canal that no-one wanted to visit.

Mr Dalton said: "British Waterways, Castle Quay, Banbury Town Council, and Cherwell District Council, are supporting us.

"We are determined that the canal festival will be a major event for townspeople."

The IWA will hold its AGM in The Mill on September 29.