Ahoy me hearties! The countdown is well and truly on to a flagship event offering a treasure chest of fun for all the family.
Kirkintilloch Canal Festival begins on Monday 26 August - culminating in a wondrous weekend of entertainment, activities, live music, fireworks, and first-class food and drink on Saturday 31 August and Sunday 1 September.
There will be a variety of events taking place in and around the town centre - including the Marina, Peel Park, Cowgate, Regent Gardens and Barleybank.
Plan your adventure by visiting www.kirkintillochcanalfestival.org
Highlights include:
Story Week (26-30 August)
Including canal cruises (storytelling, whisky tasting, bubbles & breakfast, and fish tea), Mr Chipping’s Tragical History Tour of Kirkintilloch (26 August), Three Bridges 6k and Canal Running Festival (28 August), and Cue and Review will be recording articles for the visually impaired.
Get Active Saturday (31 August)
Including Gin & Whisky Festival, Dojo Drummers and Clanadonia, live performances, archery, canoeing, laser tag, climbing wall, roller-skating, pirates, funfair, Water Rollerz, army assault course, Saturday evening concert (featuring Wireless), fireworks spectacular and more
Gala Sunday (1 September)
Including classic cars, market stalls, 1950s-style jump ‘n’ jive, live performances, laser tag, army assault course, model planes, Coppers on the Canal, silent disco, roller-skating, funfair, Water Rollerz and more.
This year's festival will blend the best of Scottish and Japanese cultures - taking inspiration from an enduring love story.
Rita Cowan's fateful meeting with Japanese student Masataka Taketsuru took place at her home in Kirkintilloch almost exactly 100 years ago.
The spirited pair fell in love in 1919, married in 1920 and then crossed the globe to forge Nikka Whisky, one of Japan's most successful and best-known whisky companies.
Rita (pictured) - a former Lenzie Academy pupil, who became known as the 'Mother of Japanese Whisky' - remains a legend in her adopted homeland.
The former Strathkelvin District Council was twinned with Yoichi Town Council in northern Japan, where Nikka's first distillery was created.
Kirkintilloch Canal Festival will offer up a range of entertainment celebrating the centenary of their meeting, their story and Japanese culture:
- 'Rita and Masataka' exhibition - 20 August to 3 October at Kirkintilloch Town Hall (free, drop-in)
- Whisky-tasting boat trip - raising a toast to Rita and Masataka, with a range of Japanese whiskies - on 28 August (booking required)
- Ceramics: Give It A Try Raku - 30 August at the Barony Chambers (free, booking required)
- Bookbug in Japan - 31 August at William Patrick Library (free, booking advised)
- 'Origami Made Easy' workshop, by Mari Itoh of Mariko Design Creations - 31 August at William Patrick Library (free)
- Puppet-Making - 31 August at William Patrick Library (free, booking advised)
- Manga Workshop - 31 August at William Patrick Library (free drop-in event)
- Stepps Songsters present 'Songsters Sing Japan' - 31 August at William Patrick Library (free)
- Martial arts demonstrations from Zanshin Kai karate club - including kobudo and karate - 31 August at William Patrick Library (free)
- Japanese Song and Dance - 31 August at William Patrick Library (free).
Councillor Billy Hendry, Convener of Place, Neighbourhood & Corporate Assets, said, "Excitement is building as we sail towards the 2019 Kirkintilloch Canal Festival - which will offer up a feast of fun for all the family.
"From boat trips, bunnies and brilliant fireworks to live music, large obstacle course and laser tag, there's something for everyone at this year's festival. I'm delighted we have been able to offer a range of events around the town centre - including a host of attractions at Peel Park.
"The vast majority are free of charge, with a magical mix of entertainment and activities on offer throughout the town.
"The canal festival – organised by the Council with a range of organisations, including East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture (EDLC) Trust – attracts thousands of visitors every year, boosting the economy and the area’s status as a visitor destination.
"The 2019 programme also provides a platform for community groups, hostelries and local shops to get involved."
Kirkintilloch - the Canal Capital of Scotland - benefits significantly from the annual festivities. An assessment of the 2017 event – carried out by Caledonian Economics – estimated that a total of £283,712 was spent locally by attendees.
The canal festival is organised by the Council and partners including 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.
Cllr Hendry added: "Why not visit the festival and then check out the array of amenities and natural attractions in East Dunbartonshire while you're here? Visit www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/visitors for information."
* The Council has teamed up with Carers Link East Dunbartonshire, who are asking residents and visitors to 'Walk With Us' on Saturday 31 August to raise funds for the charity, bring people together and promote fitness.
There are two routes to choose from, depending on age and ability:
- Route 1 – 13 miles (approx): Starts in Milngavie and ends in Kirkintilloch, walking via Strathblane, Lennoxtown and Milton of Campsie
- Route 2 – four miles (approx): A shorter, more accessible and family-friendly walk, starting in Bishopbriggs and ending in Kirkintilloch.
All routes lead to Kirkintilloch Canal Festival - where participants can celebrate their efforts and enjoy the amazing atmosphere. To find out more about the walk, call Carers Link on 0141 955 2131 or e-mail enquiry@carerslink.org.uk
You can also sign up for the walk - and create your own individual fundraising page - using the link -.justgiving.com/campaign/carerslinkwalkwithus2019
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