For the ultimate escape from headlines, bottom lines and the latest outbreak of MP expenses (aka 'swine fever') head down to the Deep South...it's closer than you think.This weekend, the Southern Comfort Mississippi paddle steamer plays host to 'The Festival All Stars' jazzmen - in one of the classiest closing events of the NN09 Festival.
Sailing from her summer moorings beside the Swan at Horning, she’ll glide along the river Bure to Ranworth Broad, passing some of Norfolk’s most beautiful old thatched houses, windmills and Norfolk reed beds on the way, not to mention a wealth of ever-amusing boat and bird life.But what is a Mississippi ship doing on the Norfolk Broads anyway?
Well, firstly, both waterways share the common trait of being relatively shallow, making the shallow-hulled riverboat an ideal vessel design for the Broads. Secondly, the leisurely turning of the paddle at the stern of the vessel minimises the wake generated. This is a key environmental advantage, as excessive wash generated by river craft can quickly erode the soft peat of the river banks.
So now you know!
Tickets: £12, available here
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