We are inviting families to the festival on Saturday 10th October to celebrate all that's great about their local waterways and enjoy some fun watery activities.
As part of the event, which will be officially opened by the Lord Mayor of Nottingham, a fleet of former working boats, some over 100 years old, will return to Castle Wharf - once a bustling inland port and home to the famous Fellows, Morton & Clayton carrying company.
Family fun
The boats will provide a colourful backdrop to a day of family fun aimed at encouraging people to try something new. During the day people will have the opportunity to explore the canal up close by enjoying a boat trip or grabbing a paddle and trying canoeing. Qualified angling coaches will also be on hand to show people of all ages and abilities the art of fishing.
For those who prefer to be beside the water rather than on it, there will also be guided waterside walks, live music, demonstrations of traditional waterway crafts and family activities.
The festival, organised by the Trust's East Midlands' Waterway Partnership with support from Nottingham City Council and local pubs and businesses, will showcase Nottinghamshire's waterways, mark their role in the county's history and recognise their present and future importance to communities and the local economy.
Major role of local waterways
It will also tie in with other events taking place in the city over the month of October, including the popular Robin Hood Beer & Cider Festival, Goose Fair and the Robin Hood Pageant.
Danny Brennan, chair of the Trust's East Midlands' Waterway Partnership, said; “The excitement for Nottingham Canal Festival is really building. It will be fantastic to see working boats in the heart of Nottingham once more; they'll give people an appreciation of the major role their local waterways played in shaping where they live today.
“We want people also to celebrate what the waterways can offer today, in terms of leisure, sports, heritage and environment. The festival will be a chance to enjoy the space, to explore the region's wider waterways, maybe try something new and be inspired to get out there and explore our local canals and rivers.
“It promises to be a colourful affair with lots to see and do, both on and off the water, and we hope that lots of local people will come along.”
The free event takes place between 10am and 6pm on Saturday 10th October at Nottingham's Castle Wharf. Find more details in our events calendar.
