Back by popular demand – Pendle’s 6th Canal Festival

Reedley Marina will play host to an afternoon extravaganza of free family fun and entertainment - and everyone is invited.

Just turn up at the Barden Lane venue from 12 noon - 5.00pm to see over 100 boats, canoeing demos, plus an exciting range of live entertainment, including Nelson Brass Band, local group Acoustic Legacy, juggling unicyclist Dan Collins and comedy slack rope act Syrovy.

The festival, which is being organised by Pendle and Burnley Councils, coincides with the national Heritage Open Days event, which takes place every year on four days in September.

It will be officially opened at 12 noon by the Worshipful the Mayor of Pendle, Councillor Marjorie Adams before Nelson Brass Band leads the entertainment.

Coun Allan Buck, who is in charge of economic development and tourism in Pendle, said:

"Heritage Open Days are the chance for people to celebrate England's fantastic architecture and culture - and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal is both a vital part of Pendle's heritage a key factor in Pendle's future prosperity.

"Where once was carried the coal and cotton that was our bread and butter, now flourishes a growing tourism industry.

"And it's no surprise that people want to visit the waterways. The stretch of the Leeds & Liverpool canal which passes through Pendle is one of the most beautiful in the country."

He added:

"Places like Reedley Marina, the beautifully maintained Greenberfield Locks, the newly extended Lower Park Marina in Salterforth and the recently opened Café Cargo in Foulridge are all helping to attract more people to the area. 

"But it's our goal to attract even more investment in tourism into Pendle to help boost our local economy."

Vaughan Jones, Pendle Council's Tourism Manager, added:

"We're delighted to be back at Reedley Marina this year, showcasing the wonderful facilities and promoting our multi award-winning canal corridor.

"Reedley Marina is a great place for the family to enjoy, with a tea-room and a picnic area with stunning views of Pendle Hill and the surrounding countryside. Come and see for yourselves at the Canal Festival," he added

"You also get the chance to support 24 local charities including Pendleside Hospice, the NSPCC and the Inland Waterways Association, who will have stalls at the event."