Celebrate heritage and history at Linslade Canal Festival

People are invited to Tiddenfoot Waterside Park on Saturday, July 25, from 11am until 5pm to enjoy the free, family friendly event.

There will be live entertainment, traditional crafts, activities for all ages, and the chance to learn about historic boats and canal life.

Mayor of Leighton-Linslade Town Council, Kevin Pughe, said: "It's the town council's biggest event, it's very, very popular. It's been going for many years and it does make a difference and attract a lot of visitors.

"We're expecting fine weather and thousands of people visiting – over the duration of the day it could be around 9,000.

"I would encourage anyone who's not been before to come along. I'll be very pleased to say hello. Come and appreciate the canal's heritage, learn about its history, and why it was important in the sand trade."

Along the canal towpath visitors can find "a colourful display” of working, historic and trade boats, as well as visiting pleasure craft. Many of the boats will host traders selling handmade goods and canal-themed gifts.

There will also be traditional craft demonstations, such as wood carving, hurdle making, stained glass work and more.

And councillor Pughe emphasised the historical significance of the festival's location.

"Tiddenfoot was a Saxon ford," he added. "Edward the Elder signed a treaty at Tiddenfoot with the Danes. He was pushing back the vikings, keeping them out of Wessex."

Keeping history alive, there will be opportunities to learn some historic crafts, and plenty of entertainment for youngsters, including: a traditional funfair; hands on workshops and storytelling sessions; nature based activities and discovery areas.

The popular event follows on from the May Fayre, organised by Leighton-Linslade Rotary Club, and the Leighton-Linslade Carnival, organised by the carnival committee – both of which the town council supports.

Councillor Pughe added: "I think on the whole, for a small town, we punch above our weight with our festivals. And people who are new to the town say what a great place it is to live."

Helping to create a festival atmosphere will be local performers and folk-inspired acts on the main stage.

Meanwhile, there will be "roaming entertainers" and smaller acoustic performances around the park.

Food and drink stalls will be available, too, alongside craft stalls, traders, and community organisations "sharing information about local projects and environmental initiatives".

Councillor Pughe hopes that most Leighton-Linslade visitors will be kind to the planet and arrive on foot – a chance to explore Grovebury Peace Meadow, or wander along the towpath up to Ouzel Meadows or down towards the Grove Lock pub.

He concluded: "We want to encourage people coming into town to admire the river, canal, and surrounding countryside.

"I would like to say thank you to the town council staff who are fantastic employees – a lot of them give up their time to help – and thank you to all our volunteers."

Head to the town council website for more information about Linslade Canal Festival and other upcoming events.