Surf’s up as the canal festival is going virtual

The 2020 event was cancelled due to the pandemic, instead an Internet ‘party’ to mark its 20th birthday - tying in with Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters will be held.

It’ll also help to build a ‘wave’ of momentum ahead of a bumper return in 2021!

East Dunbartonshire Council’s Virtual Kirkintilloch Canal Festival 2020 will include entertainment for all ages available at www.kirkintillochcanalfestival.org between August 17 and 22.

This will include a family fun page with storytelling, prize poetry competition, colouring worksheets and more; a quiz which challenges people to match photos with locations near the Forth & Clyde Canal; and slideshows and videos from previous years.

The premiere of a special fireworks celebration video will take place via social media on Saturday, August 22, crafted by Greg Friel.

People are also being invited to share their memories, photos and videos from previous canal festivals on social media using the hashtag #VirtualCanalFest2020.

For ideas about holding a festival celebration on August 22 visit www.kirkintillochcanalfestival.org/fireworks, and share your photos and videos.

Andrew Polson, Joint Council Leader, said: I am delighted we will be able to mark the 20th anniversary of the popular event with a virtual celebration. Hopefully it will whet the appetite for a treasure chest of fun in 2021!”