Kirkintilloch Canal Festival is aiming to hit the right note by teaming up with Scottish Opera as part of this year’s nautical-themed festivities.
Pop-up Opera will bring ‘Be a Sport, Spike!’ and ‘HMS Pinafore’ to life with the help of a storyteller, singers, musicians and colourful illustrations on Saturday 25 August.
Shows will be performed in a specially-adapted, fully-accessible trailer. Book your place by visiting https://www.edlc.co.uk or call 0141 777 3143.
Kirkintilloch Canal Festival events will take place from 20-26 August in and around the town centre:
- Story Week (20-24 August) – including canal boat trips for people of all ages
- Get Active Saturday (25 August) – including street theatre, canoeing, archery, water rollerz, climbing wall, tea dance, Gin and Whisky Festival, evening concert with We Love the 90s and fabulous fireworks
- Gala Sunday (26 August) – including classic cars, market stalls, street theatre, live music, dancing displays, Coppers on the Canal and more.
The Canal Festival – organised by the Council in partnership 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.
Other newly-announced additions include:
- ‘Give it a Try – Drawing’ on Tuesday 21 Aug, ‘Give it a Try – Textiles’ on Friday 24 Aug and ‘Give It A Try – Ceramics’ on Friday 24 Aug – all at the Barony Chambers. To book, visit https://www.edlc.co.uk or call 0141 777 3143.
- ‘Rampaging Romans and Crafty Celts’ – a weekend of history and fun for all the family at the Auld Kirk Museum, including the Antonine Guard, Celtic encampment, basket weaving, dressing up and more. There will be activities on Saturday 25 Aug, 11am-1pm and 2-4pm, and Sunday 26 August, noon-4pm. Please note, some will carry a small charge (£2).
This year's programme will offer a wide range of attractions, as well as providing a platform for community groups, hostelries and local shops to get involved.
Councillor Billy Hendry, Convener of the Council’s Place, Neighbourhood & Corporate Assets Committee, said “The 2018 Kirkintilloch Canal Festival is building up to be another great event – offering entertainment, sporting fun and first-class food and drink for people of all ages.
“The Pop-Up Opera is going to be a highlight, as will the Rampaging Romans and Crafty Celts events. There really is something for everyone at the 2018 Canal Festival - from live music and fireworks to classic cars and boat trips on the canal.
“I'm delighted that Council colleagues and partners are once again pulling out the stops to ensure the Canal Festival offers a sparkling range of entertainment for all the family.
"It’s a chance for East Dunbartonshire to welcome visitors from all over Scotland and beyond – boosting the economy and showcasing local facilities and attractions.”
For more information, visit www.kirkintillochcanalfestival.org
* Kirkintilloch Canal Festival is organised by the Council and partners including EDLC, 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.
* Once again, there will be smoke-free areas in association with East Dunbartonshire Tobacco Alliance, with the aim that Gala Sunday is entirely smoke-free.
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