The Banbury Canal Festival is just around the corner! On the weekend of the 4th & 5th October, the canalside in the Town Centre will become a vibrant hub of arts, culture, history and heritage. As one of the UK’s biggest celebrations of the historic canal ways up and down the country, the Canal Festival features everything from music and theatre to crafts and gifts.
The event is also one of the most collaborative events in Banbury, with multiple groups contributing to the special event. The Mill Arts Centre will be hosting not one, but two stages showcasing unique performances that have in the past featured everything from stand-up comedy to interpretive dance. The Mill has been working closely alongside Banbury Town Council to bring audiences a talented array of acts that are sure to be some of the highlights of the event.
Tooley’s Boatyard – Britain’s oldest continually-running canal dry dock – will also be hosting a variety of exhibitions, including the operation of its highly popular blacksmith forge and canal tours taking visitors up and down the canal – an opportunity not to be missed by anyone who has yet to step foot on a narrowboat, and would like to learn more about one of the most historically important sites in the town.
Also contributing are Banbury Museum and Gallery who will be offering a number of family activities, and Castle Quay, who will be bringing visitors a number of fun attractions. The Village Butty – another popular contributor from prior years, will also be present at their usual spot next to Tooley’s Boatyard. Lock29, The Light Banbury and the Banbury BID are also supporting the event.
Banbury Canal Festival is Banbury Town Council’s largest-scale event, held over a two-day period every October and hosting a variety of attractions, markets, activities and performances. This year will see the return of many popular features, including the underground market situated underneath the town’s Lidl carpark. Also returning will be fairground rides, balloon modelling, live music acts provided by Banbury Music Mix Radio, and more.
Save the Date – The Banbury Canal Festival runs from Saturday 4th October at 11:00 – Sunday 5th October at 17:00! Entry and many featured attractions will be FREE to all visitors!
