Norfolk Broads boaters organise demonstration at Acle Bridge

The Broads Society is organising the demonstration which will take place at Acle Bridge on May 5.

The event is part of a campaign called Fund Britain's Waterways which represents more than 50 organisations calling for more government funding to help maintain canals and rivers.

Mark Collins, chairman of the Broads Society, said: "These funding problems affect us all, whether through tolls or the difficulties the Broads Authority and Environment Agency face in addressing the rising cost of controlling floods, caring for the landscape and maintaining the navigation."

A sunken boat at Reedham on the River Yare that has since been raised by the Broads Authority. (Image: Anthony Carroll)

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People have been invited to attend the rally by boat, bicycle, car or on foot. It begins at 2pm.

Richardsons has given use of its moorings and parking area across the road from the Bridge Inn for a couple of hours on the day.

Mr Collins said: "If you can come by boat, please get the bunting out, and let's create an impressive backdrop for the banners that the Broads Society will hang on the bridge.

"If you come by car, do bring your own pop-ups, banners, and flags, too. The more, the merrier," he added.

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Campaigners will take their message on to a rally on the Thames on May 8.

Boats will assemble outside the Palace of Westminster and blast their horns hoping to attract the attention of the decision makers inside.

The event follows a government review in July, which plans to reduce the grant given to the Canal and River Trust (C&RT).

The trust looks after 2,000 miles of waterways across England and Wales, but could see its public funding reduced by £300m from 2027.