Glasgow Canal Co-op hosted two celebratory day events in September 2021, which brought the vibrant communities of north and west Glasgow, and beyond, together to celebrate our unique and iconic waterway. The events on the 18th and 25th were a great success and we look forward to delivering more next year. Until then, keep an eye on our channels for details of other events taking place around the canal!
Have a look at our highlights video from both days (credit to James Lygate).
We are lucky to have a number of supporters and sponsors who help make the Glasgow Canal Events possible.
With our thanks to:
- The National Lottery Heritage Fund
- Sustrans
- EventScotland Year of Coasts and Waters
- The National Lottery Community Fund
- Scotland’s Events Recovery Fund
- Scottish Canals
- Glasgow City Council Stalled Spaces
- Keepmoat Homes
- Jewson Glasgow
And to all who came along on the days – we hope you had fun!
Saturday 25th September – 11am – 3.30pm
Celebrating Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters, this fun-filled event will focus around an impressive flotilla of boats adorned with large-scale carnivalesque artworks as they travel along the Forth and Clyde Canal in north Glasgow between Firhill and Applecross Basins. The flotilla will set off from Firhill Basin at 2pm accompanied by live music and celebration.
Throughout the day enjoy artistic performances, walking tours, guided decorative bike rides, cultural food workshops and our community market.
We have added clear ‘PRE-BOOK HERE” beside all of the activities that require advanced booking. The programme of events on offer will include:
Our Carnival Flotilla – created by Carnival Arts – come and see our narrowboats adorned with large scale artistic sculptures moving down the waterways! Watch the artists create the beautiful flotilla and then be there as it departs Firhill Basin at 2pm.
Circus Performers and Workshops – Watch our unicycling performer and roaming mermaid / selkie performers as they juggle and hula hoop around the canalside! Don’t miss our pop-up duo circus show featuring juggling and hula hoop performances with a ‘come and try’ circus workshop for visitors. The Circus Show will take place at 11.30, 12.30, 1.30 and 2.30pm whilst the Circus Workshops will take place at 11.45, 12.45, 1.45 and 2.45pm. Shows and workshops will be located at Hamiltonhill Claypits Nature Reserve (No need to pre-book, just turn up and join in). Unicyclist and costumed performers will be around all day between Firhill Basin and Applecross Basin.
Live music from a brass band and steel drummers
Leisurely Led Cycle Ride with Sustrans departing at 11.30am. PRE-BOOK HERE Visit the SUSTRANS stall and fine out more about getting walking and cycling
Cycle Rides with Free Wheel North at 11am, 1pm and 2pm (45 mins). PRE-BOOK HERE.
Decorative Cycling Workshops with Carnival Arts. Bring your bike along and have it decorated with our artists.
Guided walking tour of the new Hamiltonhill Claypits Local Nature Reserve 1pm- 3pm. Meet the Management Committee who look after the site. PRE-BOOK HERE.
Family Outdoor Learning Workshops with Joni and Leigh from Outdoor & Woodland Learning Scotland. 30 min drop-in sessions at 11am, 11.40am, 12.20pm, 1pm, 1.40pm, 2.20pm, 3pm next to Applecross Basin. No need to pre-book, just turn up on the day. Workshop sessions will explore themes of sustainability, biodiversity and wildlife. Participants will have the chance to make botanical prints or wildlife creatures using clay and other natural resources, and bird feeder pizzas on wooden discs to help us look after wildlife in Autumn/Winter.
Middle Eastern flatbread making workshops with Gathering Ground at 11.30am and 2pm – Limited spaces
Outdoor Community Market at Rockvilla Car Park. Come along and build a birdbox with Boomerang Woodworking , take part in craft activities and learn about amphibians and reptiles with Froglife or meet the Canal Youth Forum. You can also visit the Claypits Stall to hear more about the fantastic nature reserve and take part in interactive demonstrations with Open Water Rescue! If you are a local organisation or group that are interested in hosting a stall please contact Anna at hello@glasgowcanal.com
Glasgow Wake Park’s Backyard Bonanza at 75 North Canal Bank Street. Glasgow Wake Park are hosting a competition for all levels and spectators are welcome. Watch wakeboarders at all levels doing surface tricks to big air flips. Free for spectators. A sandwich and cake stall will also be available. This event is on from 9am-5pm.
FOOD AND DRINKS
A selection of food and drinks will be available at the event (located at Applecross Basin and Firhill Basin) including Mangiamo artisan pizzas, WJ Ices ice cream and Riley’s coffee truck.
KEEPING SAFE
Come along for a great day out by the canal and explore the fun activities this area has to offer.
We will be monitoring government guidelines around COVID in the lead up to the event. On the day we will have extra staffing in place to manage social distancing and hand sanitisation stations dotted around the canal space.
HOW TO GET HERE
If you are planning to visit our event, why not consider reducing carbon emissions by travelling to the canal by foot, bike or public transport instead. Level access and exits to the canal can be found in the following locations:
- The bottom of Speirs Wharf linking from Civic Street
- Rockvilla (National Theatre of Scotland)
- Applecross Street
- Bairds Brae
- Garscube Link
- Firhill Basin
- Ellesmere Street entrance of Claypits
Cowcaddens subway station is also a 5 minute walk away, south of Speirs Wharf.
Photography/Filming
Please note that photography and filming will be taking place throughout the event site between 11am – 3.30pm on Saturday 25th September.