Free canal side neighbourhood festival taking place with live music, makers' markets, and canoes

A free neighbourhood festival aimed towards families will take place in Greater Manchester in May to celebrate the reopening of parts of the Manchester, Bolton & Bury Canal.

The canal will open for the first time in 15 years in May, and will be celebrated with an event at Middlewood Locks in Salford on May 18 featuring street food vendors, a makers’ market, art workshops, live music and, of course, boats.

Visitors to Middlewood Locks Fest will be able to jump on board rafted canoes and take part in water-based activities, enjoy performances from the Fat Cat Brass Band and explore a unique sound walk created by local and international ‘Hidden Canal’ artists.

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The festival will also feature a makers’ market presented by artists Islington Mill and Hot Bed Press, whilst The Canal & River Trust will be on hand to host activities for young explorers to get involved in. There will also be a series of ‘lost and found’ workshops led by an enormous magpie puppet named The Collector.

There will also be heritage activities and contemporary performances, whilst a live DJ set will also feature a ‘mesmerising’ fire and sound installation serving as a finale to the festival. The event space will be decorated with artworks created by pupils at St Philip's CE Primary School.

James Long, engagement manager at charity Canal & River Trust, said: “Salford is a city shaped by its canals, which offer green corridors in some of our most densely populated communities, offering a place for people to relax, walk, cycle, paddle or simply be inspired.

“We’re delighted to be involved in what promises to be a really positive event for the community, which is free and open to all. The Manchester, Bolton & Bury Canal at Middlewood is a 'hidden gem' and with the event and boats returning, it’s wonderful seeing it come to life for everyone to enjoy.”

Located on a 25-acre brownfield site, a £1 billion development will be situated around the three large basins of the Manchester, Bolton & Bury Canal. The locks also feature a thriving new neighbourhood home to 2,000 people living in 1,117 apartments. The event has been made possible through sponsorship from Scarborough Group International, the developer and custodian of Middlewood Locks, and Get Living, its build-to-rent operator.

Nicola Wallis, Group Sales & Marketing Director at Scarborough Group International (SGI), said: “We are so excited to host our first ever Middlewood Locks Fest next month. Community engagement has always been a high priority at Middlewood Locks and our free community events really help to support inclusivity, bringing people together in celebration.

“Running right through the heart of Middlewood Locks, the Manchester, Bolton & Bury Canal provides important peace and tranquillity for our residents and visitors and of course is a vital green corridor supporting biodiversity. Whilst no longer used for industrial trade, this waterway provides sustainable connectivity and the reopening of parts of the canal, for the first time in 15 years, is certainly worth celebrating.”

Made famous by appearing in the song ‘Dirty Old Town’, written by Salford-born folk singer-songwriter Ewan MacColl and performed by The Dubliners and The Pogues, the Manchester, Bolton & Bury Canal has also appeared in the film Spring and Port Wine starring James Mason.

Kim Quickfall, General Manager at Get Living, added: “We are delighted to be supporting the first Middlewood Locks Fest, which will not only celebrate the rich history of the Manchester Bolton & Bury Canal and the wider area but will also bring people together to enjoy local art, crafts, and entertainment.”

James Long, engagement manager at charity Canal & River Trust, said: “Salford is a city shaped by its canals, which offer green corridors in some of our most densely populated communities, offering a place for people to relax, walk, cycle, paddle or simply be inspired.

“We’re delighted to be involved in what promises to be a really positive event for the community, which is free and open to all. The Manchester, Bolton & Bury Canal at Middlewood is a 'hidden gem' and with the event and boats returning, it’s wonderful seeing it come to life for everyone to enjoy.”