Preparations are well underway for the 2024 Kirkintilloch Canal Festival, with two top acts confirmed for the Saturday evening concert.
The main weekend of this year’s festival – 31 August and 1 September – offers a bounty of brilliant entertainment, activities and attractions. The annual festival is organised by the Council in conjunction with a range of partners.
The Saturday evening (31 August, 5-10pm) will include a free live music concert featuring:
- HavanaBlonde – the sensational singing duo who offer a toe-tapping, hip-swaying mix of country, rock, 60s-90s favourites, Motown, musicals, ABBA and more. This energetic duo will get you moving with interactive performances and dazzling costumes.
- The Mini Guns – get ready to party with a band who combine a vast array of rock and pop tunes with high-energy performances, electric personalities and fabulous fun for all the family.
There will also be a DJ, compere Greg Summers and spectacular fireworks – accompanied by musical maestro Greg Friel.
The Sunday Funday (1 September, noon-5pm) will include a mix of activities, attractions and entertainment at Southbank Marina, Kirkintilloch Baptist Church (Shamrock Street car park), Cowgate, Barleybank, Regent Gardens and the Kirkintilloch Police Station grounds
External events include the Spirit of Alba Festival in Kirkintilloch Town Hall – a celebration of spirits and craft beverages from around the world – with tickets available in advance for two Saturday sessions (noon-3pm and 4-7pm), and boat trips on the Forth and Clyde Canal on the Saturday and Sunday (pay on the day).
We’re looking forward to welcoming thousands of people to Kirkintilloch as part of this year’s festival, which includes a free live music concert on Saturday 31 August.
“The Sunday Funday is also taking shape – providing an opportunity for people to get active, have fun and enjoy everything the town has to offer. The festival is a great way to provide entertainment for residents and visitors, and a boost for the local economy.”
This year the festival is being supported by EventScotland’s National Events Funding Programme and resources allocated by the Council from the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund.
Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said, “I am delighted that EventScotland is supporting the Kirkintilloch Canal Festival through the National Events Funding Programme and to see a platform provided for fantastic Scottish acts. The area around the canal and the canal itself are sure to provide the perfect stage for the festivities, bringing together people of all ages for a memorable week of music, crafts, food and drink, and lots more.”
To whet the adventurous appetite, a range of boat trips will take place in the week leading up to main Kirkintilloch Canal Festival weekend:
- Sail and Stories – Monday 26 August – 11am and 1pm
- Bubbles and Breakfast Cruise – Wednesday 28 August – 11am-1pm
- Spirit Of Alba Whisky Tasting Session – Friday 30 August – 7-9pm.
To book tickets for any of the trips, visit Kirkintilloch Community Hub, 2-4 West High Street, Kirkintilloch, G66 1AD, or call 0300 123 4510. Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 1pm to 4pm.
For more information, visit our canal festival webpage and kirkintilloch canal festival website
- The festival includes partners such as East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture Trust, Kirkintilloch Baptist Church, the Regent Centre, Police Scotland, New College Lanarkshire – Kirkintilloch Campus, the Forth and Clyde Canal Society, the Seagull Trust, Scottish Canals, Your Kirky and Kirkintilloch Business Improvement District (BID).
- EventScotland is working to make Scotland the perfect stage for events by securing and supporting an exciting portfolio of sporting and cultural events. It provides funding opportunities and access to resources and information to develop the industry. EventScotland is a team within VisitScotland’s Events Directorate, the national tourism organisation, alongside Business Events and Development teams. For further information about EventScotland, its funding programmes and latest event news, visit visitscotland events, follow @EventScotNews on X and follow EventScotland on LinkedIn.
