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Latest Canal Festival News
Preparations are going on apace behind the scenes for the 2008 Loughborough Canal and Boat Festival.
Loughborough Wharf and the canal northwards past the industrial estate was originally built in 1778, with the section from 
Canal Bridge to Leicester being built a few years later.
The festival, the largest of its kind in the Midlands, has been running each year since 1997 (with the exception of 2002 because of Foot and Mouth). It typically attracts 10,000s of visitors over the weekend. Originally it was started as a protest to road improvements by the Council at the junction of Bridge street and Derby Road. The protests were taken up with the help of the Loughborough Echo. The organizer Mick Clowes dreamt up the idea of a festival as a way of protest, and a very successful one - as the result of which was the amended road plan. Mick said: “Once the road plan was amended to miss the wharf, I thought that was it but had forgotten that these boaters like a good time. I was inundated with requests to do 
it all again the following year and, as they say, the rest is history.”
The Mayor of Charnwood will open the event this years festival which is free for all over the weekend of the Saturday 3rd May and Sunday 4th May
There are plans to have a water taxi on site and boat trips in specially adapted boats to enable access for people with disabilities. Many stalls promoting a wide range of crafts from wooden flowers, hand made glass and encaustic arts to textiles, jewellery and other hand made goods.
However this year the intention isn’t to end there. Visitors should be able to enjoy vintage vehicles, a model boat display, Punch and Judy, entertainment from Bill Brookman, maypole dancing (hopefully not too close to the towpath edge) and a Sea Scout water display.
As last year there will also be plenty of charity stalls supporting a range of good causes such as the Air Ambulance and LOROS, as well as refreshments including traditional tasties such as fudge, candy floss, chocolate covered fruit, home-made cakes together with ice cream, pancakes, pasties and of course hot dogs and chips.
Hopefully this year the illuminated flotilla of boats will travel along the canal on the Saturday night now that the Loughborough Wharf development is complete.
Pictures from last years event are in the Loughborough Canal Festival Album.
Latest Canal Festival News
Latest News
If you don't use it... freeuse it! | |
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 | 11 February 2010If you don't use it. .... 11 Feb 2010 If you don't use it... freeuse it! |
Appeal following assault of two teenage boys in Groby | |
 | Appeal following assault of two teenage boys in GrobyPolice are appealing for witnesses following the assault of two teenage boys in Groby. The incident happened at around 6.... 11 Feb 2010 Appeal following assault of two teenage boys in Groby |
Two men charged in connection with drug dealing in Thurnby Lodge and Netherhall | |
| Two men charged in connection with drug dealing in Thurnby Lodge and Netherhall Two men have been charged in connection with drug dealing in the Netherhall and Thurnby Lodge areas of Leicester. A 28-year-old man has been charged with one count of supplying Class A drugs and two counts of possessing a Class A drug.... 11 Feb 2010 Two men charged in connection with drug dealing in Thurnby Lodge and Netherhall |
Free home security devices for elderly residents in Eyres Monsell | |
| Free home security devices for elderly residents in Eyres MonsellHomes of elderly residents in Eyres Monsell are being given a security boost to help prevent distraction burglaries. Officers from Leicester City Council and Leicestershire Constabulary will be visiting up to 300 properties to carry out security checks and install crime prevention devices such as door chains and bolts, window locks, kick boards to strengthen front and back doors, personal alarms and digital spy cameras, where appropriate.... 11 Feb 2010 Free home security devices for elderly residents in Eyres Monsell |
Warning after distraction burglars claim to be police officers | |
| Warning after distraction burglars claim to be police officers Elderly residents in Leicester are being warned following a series of distraction burglaries by two men claiming to be police officers. Four distraction burglaries were reported to police in the city during the evening of Wednesday February 10.... 11 Feb 2010 Warning after distraction burglars claim to be police officers |
Related News
Leicester Canal Festival | |
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 | If you didn't get enough of canals and boats at this year's Loughborough Canal and Boat Festival there is one in Leicester coming up shortly.... 09 May 2008 Leicester Canal Festival |
Leicester Canal Festival Tomorrow | |
 | Start the summer with two days of family fun at Riverside Festival in Leicester. With over 60 activities and performances along Leicester City s riverside over two days there really is something for everyone.... 23 May 2008 Leicester Canal Festival Tomorrow |
Weekend of dance in city | |
 | p>PEOPLE are being invited to enjoy a weekend of dance to celebrate the new-look city centre, and the opening of Highcross Leicester.... 04 Sep 2008 Weekend of dance in city |
Festival fun is announced | |
| p>DETAILS of an award-winning festival taking place in the heart of old Leicester are now available. The Castle Park Heritage and Arts Festival is due to take place from August 18 to 25 and will include a huge range of events for all ages.... 14 Jul 2008 Festival fun is announced |
One Rhythm Dance Festival | |
 | Get dancing at the One Rhythm Dance Festival from May to October in Leicester City Centre. The One Rhythm Dance Festival is a colourful event with a diverse programme of themed dance performance, toe-tapping sounds and activities for the whole family.... 01 May 2008 One Rhythm Dance Festival |
Relevant News
Loughborough trio to fly the flag for Britain at international arts festival | |
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 | Three graduates from Loughborough University School of Art and Design will be jetting off to Italy in May to take part in a prestigious international arts festival.... 11 Apr 2008 Loughborough trio to fly the flag for Britain at international arts festival |
Charnwood Arts is Looking for Buskers | |
 | As part of the 2008 Heart of Three Cities Festival, Charnwood Arts is once again organising their annual Picnic in the Park event in Queen?s Park, Granby Street, Loughborough on Saturday May 17th.... 14 Apr 2008 Charnwood Arts is Looking for Buskers |
Streets Alive in Loughborough | |
 | As part of the 2008 Heart of Three Cities Festival, Loughborough will come alive - Streets Alive! - between 12 noon and 5.00pm on Bank Holiday Monday, 26th May when the town centre springs to life with a host of live performances and activities. ... 25 Apr 2008 Streets Alive in Loughborough |
One Rhythm Dance Festival | |
| Get dancing at the One Rhythm Dance Festival from May to October in Leicester City Centre. The One Rhythm Dance Festival is a colourful event with a diverse programme of themed dance performance, toe-tapping sounds and activities for the whole family.... 01 May 2008 One Rhythm Dance Festival |
Leicester Canal Festival | |
| If you didn't get enough of canals and boats at this year's Loughborough Canal and Boat Festival there is one in Leicester coming up shortly.... 09 May 2008 Leicester Canal Festival |
Most Read News (today)
Cannabis Farm Closed | |
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 | A cannabis factory has been discovered by officers from Hinckley Road local policing unit. The factory was discovered at a house on Beaconsfield Road, off Narborough Road, at around 11.... 19 Apr 2008 Cannabis Farm Closed |
NEW SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCED IN MEMORY OF OUTSTANDING MATHEMATICIAN | |
 | A prestigious new scholarship has been announced by the University of Leicester?s Department of Mathematics in memory of an outstanding former member of staff.... 02 May 2008 NEW SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCED IN MEMORY OF OUTSTANDING MATHEMATICIAN |
UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER FORENSIC RESEARCH CENTRE JOINS WITH POLICE IN FIGHT AGAINST CRIME | |
 | A collaboration between the University of Leicester Forensic Research Centre and the Northamptonshire Police Scientific Support Unit, which has already produced some ground-breaking results, is to be formally launched on 14th May.... 16 Apr 2008 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER FORENSIC RESEARCH CENTRE JOINS WITH POLICE IN FIGHT AGAINST CRIME |
Motorbikes donated to Leicester charity | |
 | Motorbikes donated to Leicester charity Sgt Julie Strong, Jo Adams, PCSO Sarah Eastwood, PCSO Maggie Hill, Jonathan Rogers & Chris Barratt with some of the donated bikes Police in Leicester are helping a local charity to get back on track after it was targeted by thieves. Neighbourhood officers from Hinckley Road police station have organised the donation of 20 mini motos and motorbikes to Nacro, the crime reduction charity, to help it continue its work tackling anti-social behaviour and engaging with young people.... 12 Jun 2009 Motorbikes donated to Leicester charity |
Two men charged with murder | |
| Two men charged with murder A 36-year-old man and a 53-year-old man have been charged with murder following the death of 51-year-old Mrs Vina Patel on Thursday January 15, 2009. Both men are due to appear at Leicester Magistrates' Court on Friday July 3, 2009.... 02 Jul 2009 Two men charged with murder |
Most Read News (this month)
Cannabis Farm Closed | |
|---|---|
| A cannabis factory has been discovered by officers from Hinckley Road local policing unit. The factory was discovered at a house on Beaconsfield Road, off Narborough Road, at around 11.... 19 Apr 2008 Cannabis Farm Closed |
NEW SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCED IN MEMORY OF OUTSTANDING MATHEMATICIAN | |
| A prestigious new scholarship has been announced by the University of Leicester?s Department of Mathematics in memory of an outstanding former member of staff.... 02 May 2008 NEW SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCED IN MEMORY OF OUTSTANDING MATHEMATICIAN |
UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER FORENSIC RESEARCH CENTRE JOINS WITH POLICE IN FIGHT AGAINST CRIME | |
| A collaboration between the University of Leicester Forensic Research Centre and the Northamptonshire Police Scientific Support Unit, which has already produced some ground-breaking results, is to be formally launched on 14th May.... 16 Apr 2008 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER FORENSIC RESEARCH CENTRE JOINS WITH POLICE IN FIGHT AGAINST CRIME |
Motorbikes donated to Leicester charity | |
| Motorbikes donated to Leicester charity Sgt Julie Strong, Jo Adams, PCSO Sarah Eastwood, PCSO Maggie Hill, Jonathan Rogers & Chris Barratt with some of the donated bikes Police in Leicester are helping a local charity to get back on track after it was targeted by thieves. Neighbourhood officers from Hinckley Road police station have organised the donation of 20 mini motos and motorbikes to Nacro, the crime reduction charity, to help it continue its work tackling anti-social behaviour and engaging with young people.... 12 Jun 2009 Motorbikes donated to Leicester charity |
Two men charged with murder | |
| Two men charged with murder A 36-year-old man and a 53-year-old man have been charged with murder following the death of 51-year-old Mrs Vina Patel on Thursday January 15, 2009. Both men are due to appear at Leicester Magistrates' Court on Friday July 3, 2009.... 02 Jul 2009 Two men charged with murder |
Most Read News (alltime)
Lengthy sentences for four accused in Kidnap trial | |
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| Lengthy sentences for four accused in Kidnap trialClockwise from top left: Gaffar, Mirza, Desai and KhanA PCSO has been praised today after his actions helped to secure the prosecution of four men for GBH, kidnap, false imprisonment, robbery and blackmail. At around 8.... 13 Nov 2009 Lengthy sentences for four accused in Kidnap trial |
Don't be dead in the water this summer | |
 | Parents preparing for summer are being urged to think before buying blow-up arm-bands and rings County Council Trading Standards officers are encouraging people to check that buoyancy aids will really do the job before grabbing the nearest inflatable off the shelf. Not all products are meant to be used to help a child stay above water and even if they will float, if the item is a toy, such as an inflatable animal or giant ring, it will not necessarily be manufactured to the same safety standards as something specifically designed to help a child learn to swim.... 09 Apr 2008 Don't be dead in the water this summer |
Stephen Hawking Lecture at Leicester University | |
 | Professor Stephen Hawking to deliver 50th Anniversary lecture at University of Leicester The University of Leicester will be making history on Wednesday 28th May when one of the best-known and most remarkable scientists of our time will talk on the beginning of time and the cosmos. As part of the University s 50th Anniversary celebrations, Professor Stephen Hawking, CBE, Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge, will discuss theories on the origin of the Universe in a public lecture.... 01 May 2008 Stephen Hawking Lecture at Leicester University |
DIGITAL DEMOCRACY: WASTE OF TIME OR ROARING SUCCESS? | |
 | Central and local government have both adopted the Internet to promote their activities and to get feedback from citizens. But how successful has this been?... 17 Apr 2008 DIGITAL DEMOCRACY: WASTE OF TIME OR ROARING SUCCESS? |
Two men charged in connection with drug dealing in Thurnby Lodge and Netherhall | |
| Two men charged in connection with drug dealing in Thurnby Lodge and Netherhall Two men have been charged in connection with drug dealing in the Netherhall and Thurnby Lodge areas of Leicester. A 28-year-old man has been charged with one count of supplying Class A drugs and two counts of possessing a Class A drug.... 11 Feb 2010 Two men charged in connection with drug dealing in Thurnby Lodge and Netherhall |