Decorated boats at Matlock Bath

Good evening. It's Monday night so I will wrap up the Matlock Illuminations posts with a few photo's I took as I was leaving. There was a firework display organised to start at 8.30pm, but I decided not to stay for that. I was very cold, and I have seen plenty of fireworks in the past. Some pretty colours, some sparkly bits, some flashes and bangs, they are much the same wherever you see them. 

These photo's I took were from the road above as I was walking back to the car. Looking down on the funfair and the river beyond it. If you look closely you can make out the crowds of people all crammed into a small area. I was glad that I didn't go into the thick of it. The view of the boats would have been blocked by the heads and bodies of those closest to the water. It was the same on both sides of the river. Noise and crowds do not sit well with me. 

I quite like these pictures, even though the view was interrupted by the foliage of trees and bushes. The reflections in the water are amazing. 

My overall impression left me a little bit disappointed. I was expecting the whole length of the river to be used. To spread it out would be better than squashing it all at one end. Because there was an entrance fee to pay (online) it was heavily guarded by robust Herras fencing, with security checkpoints all around the edge to make sure all those who entered had paid. 

The security man who found me a spot to stand just outside the fence and overlooking the river, was very helpful, when I told him I only want to take photo's. I was about to walk away when he said the event was sold out. Then he came up with a quiet corner for me to stand in. 

Now I have seen it, I won't be going again. I have walked all around Cromford, Matlock Bath, and Matlock over the years. It has stunning views if you walk up the steep narrow streets and look down into the valley. 

I came straight back and was home by 9.30pm. No hold ups on the motorways, all was running freely. I was pleased to see that the M18 and the M1 are free of roadworks at last. 

Thanks for popping in. Toodle pip.   ilona