A splashing range of family fun gets underway on Monday 14 August as Kirkintilloch Canal Festival begins its voyage for 2017.
Kirkintilloch Canal Festival runs until Sunday 20 August - reaching a crescendo with Saturday night’s sensational concert and fireworks display, and Sunday’s fun-packed gala.
A host of local performers, shops, hostelries and groups will be involved again this year.
- Boat trips and Story Week - Monday 14-Friday 18 August
A range of boat trips have been organised for people of all ages. There are a few tickets remaining for the Bubbles & Breakfast and whisky-tasting events. See the website for details.
- Get Active Saturday (19 August)
Highlights include evening concert, fantastic fireworks (9.30pm), street food (hotdogs, pizza and more), Water Rollerz, Zoolab, roller disco at Lairdsland Primary, canoeing, archery, climbing wall, stone-carving sessions, canal boat trips, bubbleologist and fire eater, night-time cycle ride around the area and more. There will also be stalls, Edd's Heads caricaturist, silk painting, 'grab a grand' and mini-golf at the College Campus.
- Gala Sunday (20 August)
Highlights include classic cars, market stalls, meet the pirates, Jump 'n' Jive, art activities, Bubbleologist, stilt walkers, roller disco, funfair, walk on water, puppet show, Kennedy Cupcakes, model plane flying, Dunbartonshire Concert Band, Kirkintilloch Male Voice Choir, Coppers on the Canal and more. Kirkintilloch Baptist Church will be offering family fun including an obstacle course, Zorb ball and Nerf adventures, while there will be lots on at the College Campus.
Meanwhile, ladies and gents will getting 'In the Mood' with 1940s/50s-style tea dances in Club Bliss on Wednesday 16 August (7pm-9pm) and Saturday 19 August (1pm-3pm).
The Festival is organised annually by East Dunbartonshire Council in conjunction with a range of partners.
Councillor Gillian Renwick, Depute Council Leader, said, "Excitement is building as Kirkintilloch Canal Festival gets underway for 2017.
"I hope as many people as possible take the chance to enjoy the wealth of family fun and entertainment on offer - throughout the week and during Get Active Saturday and Gala Sunday.
"There really is something for everyone - from boat trips and classic cars to roller discos and interactive arts.
"The Festival provides a chance for Kirkintilloch to welcome visitors from all over East Dunbartonshire and beyond - boosting the economy and showcasing local facilities and attractions."
Venues include the town centre, Southbank Marina, New College Lanarkshire – Kirkintilloch Campus, Lairdsland Primary, Kirkintilloch Police Station, Auld Kirk Museum and Sainsbury's grassed area (with Kirkintilloch Baptist Church).
This year there will be more smoke-free areas in association with East Dunbartonshire Tobacco Alliance - Kirkintilloch Police yard, the grassed area at Sainsbury's, Strathkelvin Place, Peel Park and Lairdsland Primary School grounds.
Visit www.kirkintillochcanalfestival.org for more information.
- Kirkintilloch Canal Festival is organised by the Council and partners such as East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture (EDLC) Trust, Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue, Kirkintilloch Baptist Church, the Regent Centre, New College Lanarkshire - Kirkintilloch, Seagull Trust, Scottish Canals, the Forth and Clyde Canal Society and Kirkintilloch & District Classic Vehicle Club.
Follow us on Twitter @EDCouncil or like us on Facebook for the latest updates.