Every year, Northampton IWA organise a boat gathering which is normally held on the River Nene at Becket's Park in the heart of Northampton.

The event, which is always held over the first Bank Holiday in May each year, is not open to the general public but visiting boaters are welcomed as long as they fill out a booking form and pay an appropriate entrance fee.

The boat gathering, which is the main fund raiser for the Branch, usually attracts upwards of 50 boats creating a colourful scene along the riverside between South Bridge & Avon.

A weekend or so before the event in April, the Branch organises a clean-up on the Westbridge Arm aided by an army of volunteers and the Environment Agency who provide a lorry with a grab arm to carry away the rubbish.

During the day over the weekend lots of events are organised including a boat handling competition, town treasure hunt, quiz and a challenge cruise for boats navigating up the Westbridge Arm; also an auction, sales table and lots of special activities for children including a fancy dress competition.

On Saturday and Sunday evenings' musical entertainment and a raffle are laid on in the main marquee tent while real ale buffs can check out the quality of local beers, usually a selection from Frog Island Brewery, in the adjoining beer tent. On Sunday evening there is also an award presentation ceremony for the winners of the various competitions taking place over the weekend.