Loughborough Canal Festival facts for kids
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The Loughborough Canal and Boat Festival was a fun event held every year in Loughborough, England. It took place from 1997 until 2014. The only year it didn't happen was in 2001. This was because of the foot and mouth crisis that year.
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What Was the Loughborough Canal Festival?
The Loughborough Canal and Boat Festival was an annual celebration. It brought together people who loved boats and canals. The festival was a big event for the town of Loughborough. It showed off the local waterways.
Why Did the Festival Start?
The festival began in 1997. It was part of a special effort by the local newspaper, the Loughborough Echo. The newspaper wanted to stop plans to fill in part of the canal system. These plans were made by the local council. Thanks to the campaign, the council decided not to go ahead with the plans. The festival helped save the canal!
Where Did the Festival Take Place?
The main spot for the festival was a place called Chain Bridge in Loughborough. This area is very important for canals. It's where three different waterways meet. These are the Loughborough Navigation, the Leicester Navigation, and the Loughborough Wharf of the Grand Union Canal. It was a perfect central location for boats.
What Happened at the Festival?
The festival usually happened on the first weekend of May each year. Boaters from all over the country would come to visit. Many would arrive a week early to find good places to park their boats. During the weekend, there were many fun things to do. You could find stalls selling food and drinks. There was also music, entertainment, and live demonstrations. A special highlight was on Saturday night. All the boats would be lit up with beautiful lights.
How Popular Was the Festival?
The Loughborough Canal and Boat Festival was very popular. It was the biggest festival of its kind in the Midlands. About 10,000 people would come to enjoy the event. It was a major attraction for Loughborough.
