Start the summer holidays with fun on the canal

Councillor Mohammed Sharif

Looking for something for all the family to enjoy at the start of the school summer holidays?

The award-winning Rochdale Canal Festival is back for another year and promises a fun-packed week of free events – everything from angling to kayaking and boat trips to bike rides.

The festival kicks off with a family fun day at Ealees, Littleborough on Saturday 19 July which will include boat rides, donkey rides, and music from Littleborough Public Brass Band.

All the events throughout the week are free – some need you to book a place but for many you can just turn up on the day. Activities are taking place across the Rochdale and Oldham boroughs.

The canal festival is organised by Rochdale and Oldham Borough Councils, together with The Waterways Trust, The Rochdale Canal Society and British Waterways.

Ahead of the start of the festival, organisers are running an art competition for youngsters under 16 to submit a piece of artwork on the subject of nature found along the canal. Entries need to be submitted by 16 July 2008. Prizes include gift vouchers and free entry to Laser Quest and Strike 10 bowling.

Cabinet member for regeneration on Rochdale Borough Council, Councillor Mohammad Sharif said: “The Rochdale Canal Festival provides many great family activities and events and really is a superb way to start off the summer holidays. There are all sorts of different things planned – and the best thing is that they’re all free of charge. 

“Last year’s festival won a national award for its partnership work and it’s again a joy to see so many community groups and organisations volunteering their time and resources to help put on so many activities for young people to get involved in. Please bring your family along and help make this year’s festival another big success!”