FROM canoeing and classic cars to a flight simulator and a real aircraft, Kirkintilloch Canal Festival is shaping up to be a soaraway success.
East Dunbartonshire Council is working with a range of partners, including Kirkintilloch Baptist Church and Police Scotland, to make it a weekend to remember. The Saturday evening (August 31, 5-10pm) will include a free live music concert, DJ and spectacular fireworks at Southbank Marina, Kirkintilloch, with more announcements coming soon.
So far the Sunday Funday (September 1, noon-5pm) – will include:
Southbank Marina:
Free activities such as canoeing and archery, with street theatre, live music and performances on stage – including East Dunbartonshire’s remarkable Rock Choir.
There will also be a paid-for funfair, climbing wall and roller disco – so prepare to get your skates on! In addition, there will be a hot food court and a bar.
Kirkintilloch Baptist Church (Shamrock Street car park – next to Sainsbury’s):
Free fun includes a flight simulator and – for the first time ever – a real Cessna 150 aircraft, face painting, laser quest, assault course, inflatables, pillow battles, wrecking ball, bouncy fun, live stage, and a toddler fun zone and crafts.
There will also be cream teas in the Greenhouse Cafe (donation required), tea, coffee, tray bakes and a prayer tent.
Cowgate and Barleybank:
Classic cars, farmers’ market, a wide range of craft stalls, and food and drink for sale.
Regent Gardens:
Check out the newly transformed Regent Gardens while enjoying performances by Scottish tribal band Clann An Drumma, Dunbartonshire Concert Band and the Juggling Gent.
Kirkintilloch Police Station grounds (Southbank Drive):
Detective training (who ate the Gingerbread Man?), outrun an officer speed check challenge, beat the goalie, off-road bikes, virtual reality headsets, quiz/challenges and more. As well as local officers, you can also meet staff and see vehicles from the Marine Unit, Scottish Fire and Rescue, St Andrew’s First Aid and partner agencies.
Ann Davie, chief executive of East Dunbartonshire Council, said: “We’re hard at work creating another great line-up for the Kirkintilloch Canal Festival, in conjunction with a range of partner organisations in the public and private sectors. Our focus is on providing as many free activities as possible – including opportunities for people of all ages to get active.
“Look out for more updates in the coming weeks – follow us on social media for the latest information.”
External partners will be providing paid-for boat trips during the day on the Saturday and Sunday, entertainment at Regent Gardens on the Saturday afternoon and the Spirit of Alba Festival in Kirkintilloch Town Hall – a celebration of spirits and craft beverages from around the world – on the Saturday (noon-3pm and 4-7pm).
In addition, boat trips are being organised to whet the appetite ahead of the main Kirkintilloch Canal Festival weekend:
• Sail and Stories – Monday, August 26 – 11am and 1pm
• Bubbles and Breakfast Cruise – Wednesday, August 28 – 11am-1pm
• Fish Tea on the Canal – Thursday, August 29 – 5-7pm
• Spirit Of Alba Whisky Tasting Session – Friday, August 30 – 7-9pm.
For more information, visit www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/canal-festival and www.kirkintillochcanalfestival.org
