ELLESMERE community arts group, Fizzgigs, is doing the last touch ups for their 'entertaining glimpse into history' to be performed this August.

Members of the group are putting on a show called 'Canal Boatwomen: Romance and Reality' on Saturday, August 6 and 13, at the historic Canal Maintenance Yard in Birch Road, Ellesmere, at 12.15pm and 2.15pm each day.

The performance will include songs and stories to the backdrop will be the restored narrowboat Saturn which is the last remaining Shropshire flyboat.

Rosemary Drake, long-time Fizzgigs member, and inspiration for the show, said: "We hope the visual impact of this wonderful boat built in 1906 together with this strong and powerful woman will remain with our audiences."

At the heart of the show there will be a 3.5 metre tall female figure embodying Sarah dressed as a boatwomam of the 1920s.

"It’s easy to overlook the significance of women in history. Sarah is an emblem celebrating the role women played on the canals in the 20th century." added Rosemary.

There is a variety of actors of different ages, from one in her late seventies to nearly three year old Tyneya Moore.

There will be a day-long programme of activities which will begin at 10.45am with a free tour of the purpose-built canal yard that dates from 1806 where equipment and artefacts are of national significance.

Refreshments will be available throughout the day, from the Pastry Box from Wem, while music will be played by the Shropshire Boatmen.

Visitors will also be able to try out paddle boarding, courtesy of The Paddle Bro’s, including paddle board and pizza options between 10am and 5.30pm.

The day will finish off with live music from group Lotus Motion between 6-8pm.

Car parking will be available in a field adjacent to the yard with routes for pedestrians from The Wharf in Ellesmere will be signed along the towpath, and drivers can follow road signs or use satnavs for SY12 9AA.