The festivals market is enjoying an annual increase. Many UK towns are turning to their waterways to participate in this trend. Jamie Stuttard investigates.
Canalside festivals are an emerging money-making opportunity across the UK, with several British Waterways regional boards reporting increased applications to host the events. Many begin as small-scale local activities and expand to become widely popular events, which local trade relies on.
The two-day canal festival at Kirkintilloch, near Glasgow, generated £380,000 last year. Since starting in 2000 it has become a regular addition to the Scottish canal calendar.
David Gear, manager of the festival, said: "It brings a lot of money into the local economy. It's also a great way of introducing people to the region. Soon after the event, tourism remains above average.
"In 2006, the festival attracted 9,000 people. We made a growth plan for the event and within two years it trebled in size. Last year, an estimated 27,000 people attended the event."
Kirkintilloch Canal Festival's popularity has led Edinburgh to consider hosting a similar event. British Waterways Scotland has provisionally set this June as the date for the first Edinburgh Canal Festival. It is looking at the example of the capitals arts celebrations, which can bring an extra 1.5 million visitors to the city.
The Banbury canalside Folk Festival, in Oxfordshire, also expects to generate increased tourism this year. Ann Sewell, events manager for Banbury Town Council, said: "We've had more interest this year than we have in the past. I think the recession has made people look inwards. Instead of traveling miles for a day out, they look closer to home.
"It is the biggest day of the year for trade. It's a good celebration for locals, and a way to attract new people to the area."
The Linslade Canal Festival in Bedfordshire enjoys similar success. The town, which has a population of 12,000 is expecting approximately 5,000 non-local visitors this summer.
Donna Hughes, the town council's leisure and promotions manager, said: "To many people in the surrounding area, the canal festival really puts Linslade on the map. Local shops can see their profits go through the roof. Many of our arts and crafts shops rely on the event."
The Crick Boat Show in Northamptonshire aims to attract families and industry insiders. Last year exhibitors made around £1m from show-generated sales, and a further £2m from sales leads.
Chris Stanley, communications manager at South East Waterways, said: "Much of the local accommodation is booked far in advance of the event, and shops, pubs and restaurants enjoy increased trade." The show has expanded in recent years to allow for more visitors and boat moorings.
The increase in canalside events runs parallel to the booming UK festivals market. In 2008, there were more than 50 new festivals, and over 500 in total. This year, the UK festival industry will be worth £900m.
Website eFestivals has added the Middlewich Folk & Boat Festival, Cheshire, to its line-up, and this year has listed the canal festival in Kirkintilloch alongside events such as Glastonbury and Bestival.
As canal festivals become better known and more widespread, they will undoubtedly obtain a bigger presence.
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