Toes will be tapping, paddles will be splashing and fireworks will be popping at the 2023 Kirkintilloch Canal Festival.
Preparations are well underway for the Council's celebration of all things nautical and nice – including many free attractions.
The first acts have been confirmed for the free Saturday night concert on 26 August 2023 at Southbank Marina, Kirkintilloch.
Sisters of Soul Scotland are a vibrant vocal collective performing soul, funk, Motown and gospel classics with a few modern tunes, while The Papa Mo Band offer a toe-tapping mix of rock, blues and ballads.
The Saturday concert – compered by Greg Summers – will be followed by a fireworks display, which will create spectacular sights and sounds above Kirkintilloch from 9.45-9.55pm.
Sunday 27 August will offer a range of free activities, including canoeing, archery and a colouring-in competition, as well as a free Family Fun Zone at Kirkintilloch Baptist Church and more live music and performances on the Marina stage.
The Council is also working with East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture (EDLC) Trust and the Kirkintilloch Campus of New College Lanarkshire to offer free attractions.
In addition, there will be free and paid-for boat trips – more details to follow soon.
Councillor Gordan Low, Leader of East Dunbartonshire Council, said,
Kirkintilloch Canal Festival regularly attracts combined crowds of around 25,000 people – from all over East Dunbartonshire and beyond – providing a range of family entertainment and boosting the local economy.
"We are working with our partners to ensure there are lots of free activities and attractions given the financial challenges many are facing at the moment. Keep your eyes on the horizon for more information soon."
The family-friendly festival will take place on Saturday 26 August, from 5pm to 10pm at Southbank Marina and on Sunday 27 August, from noon to 5pm at the Marina, Cowgate, Townhead and Barleybank. There will also be activities in the week leading up to the festival.
Paid-for attractions include a funfair on both the Saturday and Sunday, and a Gin and Whisky Festival at Kirkintilloch Town Hall on the Saturday.
The Council is working on the festival 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, EDLC, Your Kirky and local traders.
