Festivals & Events

We’ve started to make the canal a real venue for the city, by hosting events over the last couple of years. So far, these days have given around 10,000 people a reason to come and enjoy what the canal can offer, many for the first time.

‘Illuminating Links’ at Firhill; we were proud to be a key sponsor of the Illuminating Links canal festival, the centrepiece of which was a stunning torchlight procession to mark the rebirth of Glasgow’s historic canal corridor. School children living in and around the canal created a series of spectacular lanterns which were paraded along the canal to Firhill Basin as the finale to Illuminating Links, a day long series of community activities on Saturday 6th October 2007.

‘Boats Open Day’ at Speirs Wharf; on 20th September 2008, the canal was teeming with dragon boats, dinghies and canoes, all set to the sound of Scottish Opera. At the heart of the event was the Seewoo Dragon Boat Race, but the day also featured sailing teams from across the city. 

Top soprano Frances Morrison and leading baritone Steven Faughey provided the soundtrack by performing Mozart and Rossini classics. The event was timed to coincide 
with the start of Doors Open Days, a September promotion giving free 
access to fascinating buildings throughout Scotland.

'Big Man' Festival at Maryhill; the 'Big Man' was a celebratory event of canal based activities at Maryhil Locks, with a programme on land and on water for all the family. The event took place at Maryhill Locks on Saturday 4 October 2008.

The event took its reference to the proposed Maryhill Bigma - a sculpted feature proposal for a new footbridge which will stand on the Stockingfield Junction of the Forth & Clyde Canal in Maryhill, Glasgow. (See: The Big Man) There was a range of outdoor activities including opportunities to try canoeing and kayaking, enjoy boat trips along the canal, stroytelling, street theatre, model boats, angling, exhibitions, arts & crafts, food and drink, dance and live music performances.

Community Update Events; we’ve also held various events during 2007 and 2008 as part of an ongoing and meaningful process of engagement with local community stakeholders. These events take place at a stage when concerns and aspirations can be addressed and taken on board.