Kirkintilloch Canal Festival plans in full swing

Performers of all ages are being urged to take the plunge and help make this year's Kirkintilloch Canal Festival another splash hit.

The council’s 2016 festival is shaping up to be one of the best yet with a packed programme of activities - from boat trips and outdoor pursuits to live music and fireworks.

As well as the main stage at the Marina, there will be a chance for people to showcase their entertaining skills at Barleybank Square over the festival weekend - 20-21 August.

Local musicians, dancers, theatre groups and performers are invited to come forward.

The road at Barleybank will be closed and there will be entertainment, market stalls, children’s rides, food and drink, and more.

Improvement works are currently underway in the town centre, but organisers have ensured that the festival will be as big, bright and brilliant as usual.

East Dunbartonshire Council Leader Rhondda Geekie said: “It’s full steam ahead for Kirkintilloch Canal Festival, with a stunning range of activities and entertainment lined up.

“We hope as many people as possible will come forward from local groups and communities to showcase their skills at this year’s event.

“From dancers and jugglers to singers and magicians, if you’ve got a performing skill we want to hear from you.

“I’m delighted that Council colleagues and partners have once again pulled out the stops to ensure the Canal Festival offers a sparkling range of fun for all the family.

“Improvement works are currently ongoing in Kirkintilloch, but that won’t impact on any of the activities or entertainment on offer. “In fact, it’s the ideal opportunity to have a look at the evolving town centre while enjoying the festivities.”

Kirkintilloch Canal Festival runs from Monday 15 August to Sunday 21 August, with a range of boat trips during the week - combining canal, culinary delights and culture.

Excitement will reach a crescendo over the festival weekend - with Get Active Saturday and the Gala Sunday around the Marina, Barleybank, the grassed area at Sainsbury?s, the new Lairdsland Primary and New College Lanarkshire, Get Active Saturday includes: Marina food court and licensed bar, canoeing, archery and climbing wall, Trails and Tales - stone carving taster sessions, interactive arts and crafts, beat the goalie, led cycle rides, water orbs, nerf wars, rollerskating, boat trips, meet team noble - rowing the Atlantic in aid of The Fire Fighters Charity.

Saturday’s festivities will culminate in a live concert at the Marina - starting at 7pm - featuring a range of artists with fabulous songs, from JLS and Take That to The Temptations and the Black Eyed Peas.

That will be followed at 9.30pm by a fireworks spectacular - featuring music by Greg Friel.

Kirkintilloch Canal Festival is organised by East Dunbartonshire Council and partners such as the 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 and the Forth and Clyde Canal Society.

The Gala Sunday - on 21 August - includes: Pirates street theatre and stilt walkers, funfair and carousel, walk on Water and canoe sessions to name but a few.

More information is available at www.kirkintillochcanalfestival.org and www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/canalfestival

If you are interested in performing, call the Canal Festival team on 0300 123 4510.

The council is working with East Dunbartonshire Tobacco Alliance to promote the canal festival as a Clean Air Event - with tobacco-free areas.