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Banbury’s wonderful waterside weekend
02/10/2022
The Oxford canal provided the focal point for the large crowds in town
Glorious early October weather and a fabulous weekend of waterside fun brought large crowds into Banbury over the weekend for this year’s Canal Festival.
The two-day event, which was organised by Banbury Town Council, was a post-pandemic expanded version of the popular Canal Day, which last ran in 2018 before redevelopment work began outside the shopping centre.
The Festival was opened by town mayor Jayne Strangwood, who arrived on Saturday by narrowboat and cut a ‘let’s go’ ribbon.
Through the two days that followed visitors enjoyed boat trips, live music, dance displays, charity stalls, a covered market – and plenty of refreshments. Narrowboats selling a variety of goods were busy and customers packed the towpath as they searched for waterway bargains.
The event made use of Bridge Street Park, the car parks both sides of the Mill and the towpaths of the canal itself. The bustling market utilised the space under the supermarket car park and the GF Club played host to folk music sets.
Live bands and Dance Banbury’s programme of dazzling performances and workshops provided free entertainment.
The historic Tooley’s Boatyard was a must-visit location for many, and the start and finish point for those taking a boat trip on the water.
The festival reminded visitors that the Oxford canal, which opened in 1778, brought trade and business from the industrial midlands to Banbury, and in doing so created jobs and wealth in the town.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam