Fun for all the family at canal festival

There will be fun for all the family - including a roller disco, live music, fireworks, boat trips, canoeing, archery, climbing and more.

The rocking roller disco at Lairdsland Primary School is just one of the fantastic highlights on offer as part of Kirkintilloch Canal Festival.

The 2016 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.

Get Active Saturday will focus on the Marina area and includes: 
· Roller disco at Lairdsland Primary School

· Marina food court and licensed bar

· Live concert at the Marina, starting at 7pm, featuring a range of artists - followed by a fireworks spectacular at 9.30pm.

· Trails and Tales - Stone Carving Taster Sessions (with EDLC)

· Interactive arts and crafts

· Beat the Goalie

· Led cycle rides

· Water Orbs

· Nerf Adventures

· Boat trips

· Mini golf and puppet shows at New College Lanarkshire and Kirkintilloch Campus

· Meet Team Noble - rowing the Atlantic in aid of The Fire Fighters Charity.

Gala Sunday fun will take place around the Marina, Barleybank, the grassed area at Sainsbury’s and New College Lanarkshire and Kirkintilloch Campus.

Kirkintilloch Baptist Church and the Auld Kirk Museum will also host events.

Gala Sunday (21 August) highlights include:

· Pirates street theatre and stilt walkers

· Funfair and carousel

· Walk on Water and canoe sessions

· Boat trips

· Kirkintilloch Male Voice Choir

· Nerf Adventures

· Roller disco at Lairdsland Primary School

· Open afternoon at Martin Veterinary Centre

· Spin Art

· Coppers on the Canal - including free face painting, Soak the Sergeant, vintage fire engine display and Blue Knights motor cycle club

· Tours of Lairdsland Primary

· Kennedy Cupcakes

· Jump ‘n Jive

· Singer-songwriter Katee Kross, and Emma and the Ragmen will be performing live

· Market stalls and classic cars

· Glasgow Barnstormers (remote-controlled airplanes)

· Trails and Tails - Stone Carving Taster Sessions (with EDLC)

· Mini golf and puppet shows at New College Lanarkshire and Kirkintilloch Campus

· Chance to meet Team Noble

· Announcement of winner of Children’s Colouring Competition.

As well as the main stage at the Marina, there will be a chance for people to showcase their entertaining skills at Barleybank Square on Sunday 21 August.

Musicians, dancers, theatre groups and performers are invited to come forward if they would like to be involved.

East Dunbartonshire Council Leader Rhondda Geekie said: “Kirkintilloch Canal Festival is one of the highlights of the calendar - not just for the town, but East Dunbartonshire and beyond.

“There’s a fantastic programme of fun, music, activities, sports and culture on offer again this year.

“The roller disco at Lairdsland Primary School looks particularly good fun – open to people of all ages, from children to the young at heart.

“Thousands of local residents and visitors enjoy the festival every year – helping to deliver a significant boost to the local economy.

“I hope everyone comes along and joins in the fun. You can be sure of a warm welcome from everyone involved in the festival - as well as local businesses, hostelries and shops.”

A council spokesperson said that residents and visitors to the town are reminded there will be some disruption for motorists and public transport over the weekend.

He added there are also ongoing works in Kirkintilloch town centre, so please plan ahead.

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

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.

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