This weekend, a new festival will celebrate a section of the canal waters on Middlewood Locks re-opening to boats after 16 years.
The ‘Middlewood Locks Fest’ will celebrate the canal waters being in use again after the section closed in 2008, (16 years ago).
Salford resident, Al Franco, trustee of the Manchester Bolton & Bury Canal Society, said: “2008 was the year of the great crash and recession, so it fell into disuse really because there was nothing around it.
“It’s only since the new developments have sprung up around it, it’s (become) a reason for boats to come here because of the shops, cafes and pubs. It’s more of an attractive destination rather than an industrial desert.”
Two boats will be arriving on Saturday (May 18) for the “action-packed” festival around Lockside Lane in Salford.
Al continued: “It’s actually going to be quite an action-packed day, there’s going to be music, workshops and some activities for children like face painting, so it’s quite a lot that’s going on and it’s suitable for all ages.
“We’re hoping the weathers kind and local families will come down and pay a visit.”
There is free entry from 2.30pm when the Fat Cat Brass Band will be opening the Middlewood Locks Fest.
There will be free instructor-led paddle sessions in rafted canoes however places for this are running out quickly and should be bought online.
Attendees can also join in on a Sound Walk at the festival, as it makes its way through Middlewood Locks to the River Irwell where at 3pm they’ll be a dance performance.
The activities will finish at 5pm but the festival will continue into the night with live music until 10pm.
For more information about Middlewood Locks Fest, click here.
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