A swashbuckling weekend of music, magic, fireworks and family fun is sailing into view as part of the 2023 Kirkintilloch Canal Festival.
Thousands are expected to converge on the town this Saturday and Sunday (26 and 27 August) as the celebration of all things nautical and nice powers ahead.
The Kirkintilloch Canal Festival – organised by East Dunbartonshire Council and partners – includes:
- Saturday 26 August – Southbank Marina (from 5-10pm)
There will be a DJ and compere from 5pm and a free live music concert from 7pm – featuring The Papa Mo Band, Sisters of Soul Scotland and the Glasgow African Balafon Orchestra – followed by fireworks and music from 9.45pm. Keep your eyes peeled for pirate street theatre. There will also be paid-for funfair rides and refreshments.
In addition, on the Saturday, the Spirit of Alba Festival is taking place at Kirkintilloch Town Hall, with two sessions available – noon-3pm or 4-7pm. Buy tickets in advance via the Spirit of Alba website.
There will be boat trips on Saturday between 11.30am and 4.30pm (pay on the day – leaving from opposite Nonna's Kitchen).
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Sunday 27 August – at the Marina, Cowgate, Townhead and Barleybank (from noon-5pm)
The free fun includes live music and dance performances, canoeing, archery, wrestling displays, police/fire vehicles and activities, a colouring-in competition, a Family Fun Zone at Kirkintilloch Baptist Church, magic, puppetry, arts and crafts, market stalls, silent walking discos, classic cars and much much more. Paid-for attractions include a roller disco, boat trips and a funfair. There will also be refreshments to purchase. Roller skating sessions are available at noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm – visit the Roller Beats website to book.
For anyone catching the train, there will be a free minibus from (and to) Lenzie Station between noon and 5pm on the Sunday (times vary).
You can view/download a handy guide to everything that's happening from the Council website.
It's full steam ahead for the 2023 Kirkintilloch Canal Festival, with an exciting weekend to look forward to. We've been working hard to arrange a variety of attractions, including many which are free of charge.
"The festival regularly attracts thousands of people to Kirkintilloch and East Dunbartonshire – boosting the local economy and acting as a showcase for everything the area has to offer.
"We hope you enjoy the 2023 Kirkintilloch Canal Festival and look forward to welcoming you."
Free and paid-for boat trips are taking place this week, including storytelling, a fish tea, whisky tasting and more. Visit the Kirkintilloch Canal Festival website.
The Council is working with partners such as Kirkintilloch Baptist Church, the Regent Centre, Police Scotland, New College Lanarkshire, the Forth and Clyde Canal Society, the Seagull Trust, Scottish Canals, East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture Trust, Your Kirky and local traders.
Support has been secured from the National Lottery Community Fund and Paths for All.
Please note, there will be loud fireworks over Kirkintilloch on Saturday night, from 9.45pm for around eight minutes. For advice on protecting pets from distress, visit the SSPCA website
For more information, visit the Canal Festival website and check out the Council's Canal Festival website.
