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A weekend of waterside fun
30/09/2022
The two-day festival will remind people of the part the canal played in Banbury’s development
A two-day waterside festival will celebrate the history and significance of Banbury’s canal this weekend.
In previous years Canal Day was a popular event in the town’s calendar. This year’s expanded two-day extravaganza builds on that, with entertainment and attractions for all the family.
The canal through Banbury opened in 1778. Visitors through the weekend will be reminded of the part it played in Banbury’s development, bringing trade and business from the industrial midlands, creating jobs and wealth.
Boat trips will be available on both days, alongside music, dance displays, charity stalls, a covered market – and a choice of eat-as-you-go refreshments.
Bridge Street Park will host live music from local bands plus food and drink stalls and crazy golf, whilst a children’s funfair in The Mill Arts Centre car park will provide gentle rides.
Chamberlaine Court car park will be home to Dance Banbury’s programme of amazing performances and workshops from acclaimed dance companies and the GF Club garden will be the scene for folk music fans.
Moored narrowboats selling a variety of goods will make a towpath stroll well worthwhile.
The covered market will be in the car park beneath Lidl – together with charity stalls and acoustic performances by local musicians.
On the town side of the canal, Tooley’s Boatyard will be the start and finish of 45-minute boat trips.
An extra attraction on Sunday will be children’s activities and workshops at the town’s museum.
The festival, organised by Banbury Town Council, will run from 11am to 5pm both days.
Banbury mayor Jayne Strangwood said: “This promises to be a wonderful weekend. There will be so much going on and the attractions include something for just about everyone.
“The canal festival has been missing from the town’s annual events programme for a number of years. First the building work for CQ2 put it on hold and then coronavirus prevented it from going ahead.
“But it’s back with a bang in 2022.”
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam