A FREE canalside neighbourhood festival will take place on Saturday May 18 at Middlewood Locks in Salford to celebrate the re-opening of parts of the Manchester, Bolton & Bury Canal for the first time in 15 years.
‘Middlewood Locks Fest’ promises an action-packed fun day for all the family, including boats, music, art workshops, a makers’ market, heritage activities, contemporary performances, water-based activities, live entertainment and local street food vendors.
Manchester Bolton & Bury Canal Society chairman Paul Hindle said: “We are delighted to welcome boats back to this section of the canal, and to celebrate the role canals can play in promoting recreation, tourism, environmental improvement and wellbeing in the local and wider community.”
Key highlights during the event, which runs from 2.30-10pm, will include performances from the Fat Cat Brass Band and other live music programmed by ‘From the Other’, a unique sound walk created by local and international ‘Hidden Canal’ artists, and a makers’ market presented by artists from Islington Mill and Hot Bed Press.
James Long, Canal & River Trust engagement manager added: “We’re delighted to be involved in what promises to be a really positive event for the community, which is free and open to all. The Manchester, Bolton & Bury Canal at Middlewood is a ‘hidden gem’ and with the event and boats returning, it’s wonderful seeing it come to life for everyone to enjoy.”
Stalls will also be hosted by Manchester Bolton & Bury Canal Society, the Ramblers, the Irwell Catchment Partnership, Salford’s Health Improvement Team, the Angel Centre and Salford’s Local History Forum. The Canal & River Trust will also be hosting explorers activities for families, and young people from the local St Philip’s CE Primary School have been working with artists to make decorative items for the event.
Visitors will be able to jump on board rafted canoes for water-based activities and take part in a series of fun ‘lost and found’ themed workshops led by an enormous magpie puppet, The Collector! A live DJ set with mesmerising fire and sound installation will provide for a fabulous sunset finale.
The new festival is being made possible through sponsorship from Scarborough Group International, the developer and custodian of Middlewood Locks, and Get Living, the build-to-rent operator. Organised in collaboration with the outdoor events production team at Walk the Plank, the event is also supported by Creative Embassies, Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), Salford City Council, Salford Community and Voluntary Services (CVS), Manchester Bolton & Bury Canal Society (MBBCS) and waterways charity Canal & River Trust, which looks after the canal.
Further details for Middlewood Fest can be found at Middlewood Locks – (middlewood-locks.co.uk)
