Edinburgh Canal Festival Summer brings community together on the Union Canal for first of three free events
First of three free events kicked-off annual summer festival
This year’s Edinburgh Canal Festival Summer got underway on Saturday, June 20, with the first of three free events bringing the community together on the Union Canal.
Kicking off with the Festival Day/Community Open Day, the sun shone down on the event, run by Fountainbridge Canalside Community Trust, with the canal full of energy, laughter and celebration throughout the day.
The festival was opened by the Boroughmuir High School Pipe Band, performing aboard the Four Sisters Boatel. The sound of bagpipes carried across the water as the canal boat sailed from Lochrin Basin to Harrison Park and back.
This year’s festival featured three activity zones, each filled with experiences, performances and activities for all ages. With plenty of food vendors, stalls, and activities for the kids, including face painting.
There were also creative workshops, displays by St Andrew Boat Club, canoe polo demonstrations from Forth Canoe Club, model boat displays and live music.
Liga Bite, marketing and creative lead for Edinburgh Canal Festival, said: “One of the best parts of the day was seeing so many amazing community groups, charities and organisations come together, all doing brilliant work throughout the year and helping make the canal area such a vibrant place.
“Festival Day gave us all the opportunity to celebrate not just the canal itself, but the people, partnerships and community spirit that make this area so special.
“At Fountainbridge Canalside Community Trust, our aim is to help make the area a better place to live, work, visit and enjoy. Edinburgh Canal Festival is one of the ways we bring that vision to life - creating welcoming spaces where people can connect, have fun and feel part of something bigger.
“If you couldn’t join us for Festival Day, don’t worry - there’s still plenty to look forward to.”
Next up for the canal festival is Picnic in the Park, taking place on July 25 from 12pm-3pm in Harrison Park. Expect a relaxed afternoon of community, activities and summer fun by the canal.
The festival will then close with the Raft Race - a lively celebration featuring barge boat trips, the much-anticipated raft race, water-based activities and opportunities to try new experiences on the canal. It will be held between 12pm and 4pm on August 22.
Liga added: “Our festival tagline says it best: Free festival events, open to all. And we truly mean everyone. Families, friends, neighbours, first-time visitors and lifelong locals, everyone is welcome.
“Edinburgh Canal Festival is about celebrating the canal, but more importantly celebrating people and community. Seeing so many people come together, whether on the water, on the towpath, or simply stopping by to enjoy the atmosphere, reminds us why these shared spaces matter so much.
“It was wonderful to see so many people enjoying the festival, connecting with local organisations and making memories by the canal. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back for the rest of our summer events.
“That spirit of openness, joy and belonging is what Edinburgh Canal Festival is all about, and we hope to see you at the next events this summer as we continue celebrating the Union Canal and the incredible community around it.”