The Edinburgh Canal Festival is all about appreciating the Union Canal, the 16km waterway between Edinburgh and The Falkirk Wheel in Tamfourhill, and which links with the Forth and Clyde Canal to Glasgow. After decades of neglect, the waterway has become something of a community life-force. The canal celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2022 and was a major focus of the Edinburgh Art Festival in August of that year.
The Fountainbridge Canalside Community Trust put on the Edinburgh Canal Festival and Raft Race every year on the third Saturday in June, with the focus and location for free festivities being Edinburgh's historic waterway.
A highlight is seeing sailors in their home-built crafts competing (or sinking) in the Raft Race at the Canal Basin. Entry in 2024 is free. "All equipment provided, just bring decorations, costumes and enthusiasm!"
Zone out
Activities typically take place at 5 or 6 Festival zones along the Union Canal (check website for latest programme info): the Lochrin Basin at Fountainbridge, the Leamington Lift Bridge, Climate Fringe (@ Bainfield Student Accommodation Lounge), Fountainbridge Green, Discovery Trail and Harrison Park.
Each zone has a mix of activities, food, art and music performances.
Walk, wheel, scoot or take the ‘Kingfisher shuttle’ between zones and explore the canal's local blue and green spaces.
Apart from the activities, community stall holders will be raising awareness about their organisations, their mission and goals, and how to get involved or support their work.
The day-long festival returned in 2022 after a three year absence.