The two-day cultural spectacular starts on Friday 7 September and takes place around the Weavers Triangle area of the Leeds & Liverpool canal in Burnley, which stretches from Manchester Road to Sandygate.
The festival will celebrate the important role that the Leeds & Liverpool Canal plays in the town. A host of events will take place along the canal including live music from a number of folk bands and local artists, canalaroke at the Inn on the wharf, guided walks, canoeing taster sessions and canal stalls.
Outdoor cinema
On Friday evening an outdoor cinema will open up at Sandygate Square. The film programme will include Sam Hanna's local Burnley films, historic canal films such as Barging Along, and the premiere of a contemporary new film set in Burnley, Triangle, by local film makers Dave Halsted and Lisa Thomas.
The historic canal boat The Kennet newly restored by the Leeds & Liverpool Canal Society will be moored up on the canal for people to visit. There will also be canal boat trips up and down the Straight Mile - one of the seven wonders of the waterways - aboard Pendle Explorer on Saturday 8 September.
The festival finale ‘Boat Glow' will feature an array of decorated canal boats illuminated by a spectacular firework display from 7.30pm on Saturday 8 September (viewing area is Sandygate Square).
Celebrate local heritage
Emma Barlet, Burnley Canal officer, Canal & River Trust said: “We're really excited to have so much support from the local community. The canal is truly at the heart of Burnley. It's wonderful how so many people want to celebrate this important part of their local heritage. Many local businesses, voluntary groups and individuals have given their time and resources to help this festival happen so we want to thank all of them.”
The Festival is part of the Burnley Canal Communities Project, which is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Burnley Borough Council and The Canal & River Trust. This project aims to get more people interested and excited by the rich heritage of the canal and the educational and leisure opportunities that the canal offers.
For up to the minute information about the Burnley Canal Communities Project, its events and The Festival, follow @burnleycanal on Twitter and Burnley Canal Communities Project on Facebook.
