Brave bears, Olympic spirit, caricatures and getting groovy on the move – check out the latest additions to the 2024 Kirkintilloch Canal Festival.
The Sunday Funday (1 September, noon-5pm) will offer a treasure chest of family fun at various locations around the town – including Southbank Marina, Kirkintilloch Baptist Church, Cowgate, Barleybank, Regent Gardens and the Kirkintilloch Police Station grounds.
Latest additions on the Sunday include:
- Target your inner Olympian – try archery for free and watch BMX jumps and tricks!
- Put yourself in the picture with professional caricaturist Edd Travers
- Silent Walking Disco – get groovy on the move on a tour of the town with the Disco Dude!
- Teddy Bear Parachute at St Mary's Parish Church – a chance for children to let their favourite thrill-seeking toy take the plunge from the iconic church tower (includes certificate!)
- Free park and ride services throughout the Sunday afternoon – to and from Lenzie Station for those arriving by train, and to and from Broomhill Depot (Kilsyth Road, Kirkintilloch) – making it easier for people to park on what will be a very busy day
- A chance to try bowls courtesy of Westermains Bowling Club
- Keep an eye (and an ear) out for Kirkintilloch Male Voice Choir, who will be popping up to perform on the Sunday Funday.
Create ED in Cowgate is inviting people to add to a special Canal Festival Postcard Wall. Entries must be in by 24 August, with prizes on offer. For more details, visit the canal festival website.
As previously announced, there will be a free evening concert and fireworks display at Southbank Marina (5-10pm) on Saturday 31 August – starring HavanaBlonde, The Mini Guns, Greg Friel, compere Greg Summers and a DJ.
This year's packed programme continues to grow as we get closer and closer to the main weekend. We're focused on providing a wide variety of attractions for people of all ages, with an emphasis on free fun where possible
The annual festival is organised by the Council in conjunction with a range of partners. It is being supported by EventScotland’s National Events Funding Programme and resources allocated by the Council from the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund.
External events include the Spirit of Alba Festival in Kirkintilloch Town Hall – a celebration of spirits and craft beverages from around the world – with tickets available in advance for two Saturday sessions (noon-3pm and 4-7pm), and boat trips on the Forth and Clyde Canal on the Saturday and Sunday (pay on the day).
There will also be boat trips in the days leading up to the main Kirkintilloch Canal Festival weekend:
- Sail and Stories – Monday 26 August – 11am and 1pm
- Bubbles and Breakfast Cruise – Wednesday 28 August – 11am-1pm
- Spirit Of Alba Whisky Tasting Session – Friday 30 August – 7-9pm.
To book tickets, visit Kirkintilloch Community Hub, 2-4 West High Street, Kirkintilloch, G66 1AD, or call 0300 123 4510. Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 1pm to 4pm.
For more information, visit the canal festival webpage and visit the canal festival website
- The festival includes partners such as East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture Trust, Kirkintilloch Baptist Church, the Regent Centre, Police Scotland, New College Lanarkshire – Kirkintilloch Campus, the Forth and Clyde Canal Society, the Seagull Trust, Scottish Canals, Your Kirky and Kirkintilloch Business Improvement District (BID).
- EventScotland is working to make Scotland the perfect stage for events by securing and supporting an exciting portfolio of sporting and cultural events. It provides funding opportunities and access to resources and information to develop the industry.EventScotland is a team within VisitScotland’s Events Directorate, the national tourism organisation, alongside Business Events and Development teams. For further information about EventScotland, its funding programmes and latest event news, check out the VisitScotland website , follow @EventScotNews on X and follow EventScotland on LinkedIn.
