ARTISTS will celebrate the woman of the Bridgewater Canal tonight.

They have launched a new collection of prints, ceramics, jewellery and crafts to remember the many women who contributed to the canal over the years.

Established in 1761, the project reviving the 4.9 mile stretch of the canal, has commissioned arts collective Salford Makers to create the collection. The collective used old photographs, maps, letters and canal artefacts to inspire the collection.

Broadside ballard singer Jennifer Reid has composed a new ballad as part of the commission.

Cllr David Lancaster, lead member for environment and community safety, said: “The Bridgewater Canal was the first canal in England and is renowned for innovation, invention and experimentation. It also has a long and proud tradition of people making items that enabled the growth of the water way, like baskets, nails and sails as well as goods that could be sold thanks to this new transport link.”

The event will take place between 6pm to 8pm at Salford Museum and Art Gallery, Peel Park.