The Kirkintilloch Canal Festival runs for a week from Monday August 20, and the East Dunbartonshire town will be awash with colour and fun events.
Around 25,000 visitors are expected to attend the event, which will run until Sunday August 26.
The Festival, in its 11th year, is due to kick off with Story Week – a five day long celebration of local history including exhibitions, stories, theatre, music and laughter.
Evening canal trips featuring presentations and lectures can also be enjoyed on the Forth & Clyde Canal Society's Voyager vessel, which leaves from Kirkintilloch Marina.
On Saturday August 25 there will be an afternoon of water and land-based adventure activities for all the family including canoeing, walks, cycling, water fun, archery, a climbing wall, a fishing contest and a fairground.
In the evening there will be a live show with food, drink and music, including tribute acts, followed by the fireworks finale.
Councillor Rhondda Geekie, leader of East Dunbartonshire Council, said: "The Kirkintilloch Canal Festival is fast becoming the event of the summer in East Dunbartonshire.
"There is a range of fun and interesting activities for all age groups and the Festival provides a great opportunity to get out and about and see some of the historic and picturesque sites of the Forth and Clyde Canal.
"From canal boat trips to the Victorian garden party, what better way to spend your days than soaking up the atmosphere and having a look at the pretty and colourful boats that line up at the Marina.
"We welcome tourists and visitors from all over Scotland to see our stunning canal, which is one of the country's hidden gems."
This year Gala Sunday will take place in three zones. At the Marina there will be canal cruises, live music, street theatre, canoeing, and music and performance. The Cowgate area of the town will offer market stalls, arts, crafts, live music, vintage cars and bikes, re-enactment groups and the Auld Kirk Museum open day. There will also be a funfair at Barleybank, street theatre and games at the library.
Peel Park will play host to a Victorian garden party with garden games on the lawns. Peel Bandstand hosts the Kirkintilloch Brass Band most of the afternoon – while the Garden Tearoom will offer a range of cakes and sweets for those wishing to while the day away on the lawns. Families can enjoy the Auld Carousel – which has been reserved for the day from M&Ds – the local history exhibitions, the Auld Book Shop, herbal tent and lots more.
The Forth and Clyde canal was the first canal ever to be built in Scotland. When work began on the canal in 1768, the plan was for the waterway to progress steadily westwards from the Forth via the River Carron to Stockingfield in Maryhill.
When completed, it was a 35 mile canal, with 39 locks, from Bowling on the northern bank of the Clyde to the southern side of the Forth near Grangemouth.
After years of neglect, the canal was brought back to life in 2001 as part of a major project that included the building of the famous Falkirk Wheel.
Richard Millar, head of enterprise at Scottish Canals, said: "The Kirkintilloch Canal Festival is a fabulous showcase for the many things to see and do on the Scottish canals.
"This year's Kirkintilloch Canal Festival promises to be a real splash of colour with so many exciting things to see and do for everyone, whether they are regular visitors to the Forth & Clyde or are looking for a great day out."
stef.lach@ heraldandtimes.co.uk
