A weekend of fun promised at Kirkintilloch Canal Festival

As the finishing touches are being put to the packed programme, there already looks like being something for everyone – with Sunday Funday the highlight of the busy weekend.

From canoeing and classic cars to a flight simulator and a real aircraft it’s all going to be there for the public’s entertainment.

On Saturday, August 31 from 5pm-10pm there will be a free live music concert with a DJ and spectacular fireworks. Taking place at Southbank Marina more news will be revealed soon.

Already arranged for the Sunday Funday on September 1 from noon-5pm) there will free activities, including canoeing and archery at Southbank Marina, with live music and performances on stage, including East Dunbartonshire’s acclaimed Rock Choir.

There will also be a paid-for funfair, climbing wall and roller disco – so prepare to get your skates on. And for those looking for something a little more relaxing, there will be a hot food court and a chance to relax with a cocktail and a bar.

In the Shamrock Street car park – next to Sainsbury’s, Kirkintilloch Baptist Church will host free fun including a flight simulator and – for the first time ever – a real Cessna 150 aircraft, face painting, laser quest, assault course, inflatables, pillow battles, wrecking ball, bouncy fun, live stage, and a toddler fun zone and crafts.

There will also be cream teas in the Greenhouse Café (donation required), tea, coffee, tray bakes and a prayer tent.

Meanwhile, at Cowgate and Barleybank there will be classic cars, farmers’ market, a wide range of craft stalls, and food and drink for sale.

In the newly-transformed Regent Gardens there will be performances by Scottish tribal band Clann An Drumma, Dunbartonshire Concert Band and the Juggling Gent.

And if that wasn’t enough, in the Southbank Drive grounds of Kirkintilloch Police Station there will be detective training (who ate the Gingerbread Man?), outrun an officer speed check challenge, beat the goalie, off-road bikes, virtual reality headsets, quiz/challenges and more. As well as local officers, you can also meet staff and see vehicles from the Marine Unit, Scottish Fire and Rescue, St Andrew's First Aid and partner agencies.

Ann Davie, East Dunbartonshire Council chief executive, said, “We’re hard at work creating another great line-up for the Kirkintilloch Canal Festival, in conjunction with a range of partner organisations in the public and private sectors. Our focus is on providing as many free activities as possible – including opportunities for people of all ages to get active.

“Look out for more updates in the coming weeks – follow us on social media for the latest information.”

There will also be paid-for boat trips during Saturday and Sunday, entertainment at Regent Gardens on the Saturday afternoon and the Spirit of Alba Festival in Kirkintilloch Town Hall will celebrate spirits and craft beverages from around the world on the Saturday (noon-3pm and 4-7pm).

In addition, boat trips are being organised to whet the appetite ahead of the main Kirkintilloch Canal Festival weekend:

• Sail and Stories – Monday, August 26 – 11am and 1pm

• Bubbles and Breakfast Cruise – Wednesday, August 28 – 11am-1pm

• Fish Tea on the Canal – Thursday, August 29 – 5-7pm

• Spirit Of Alba Whisky Tasting Session – Friday, August 30 – 7-9pm.

More information here