FAQs

The Canal Festival 2025 is now over but we have kept the information up so those visiting this site during the year will be able to get a feel for what usually happens. The next event is on Sat 20th June 2026.

Scroll down to see answers to the following questions or contact us if you have another query.

---

When is the festival?
Saturday 21st June, 12-5pm 2025

Where is the festival?
The festival takes place at various locations between the Lochrin Basin and Harrison Park. See more details here.

What activities are taking place?
We have loads of free activities – they are all listed in the various zones in the programme pages.

Do you have to pay?
The majority of the festival is FREE. Some of the on-water activities, games or stall holders may ask for donations towards their charity or community project.

Where can I get food?
Some of the stalls are offering drinks and food, and we would encourage you to support our local businesses by visiting cafes that are on or near the canal. See here for a map and opening times. You are also welcome to bring a picnic!

What music and entertainment is there?
We have are variety of local musicians and community bands spread across three areas plus roving performers. See here for more details.

Is there a Raft Race?
We’re doing things a little differently in 2025 … more details coming soon, and will be posted here.

Where are the toilets?
Venues taking part in the Canal Festival will be opening their doors to festival goers – some of these have accessible toilets. These include: North Merchiston Club, Polwarth Church, Fountainbridge Library, Edinburgh Printmakers. Portaloos will also be located at the three main areas of stalls.

Can I bring my dog?
Well behaved dogs on leads are very welcome at the festival. Please be respectful of other festival goers. And we’re sure it goes without saying, but please always pick up any poop!

Is the festival suitable for wheelchairs?
Yes – the majority of the festival can be accessed on paved and flat paths. Some of the activities take place on grass, so access here may be dependent on the weather. Contact us for more information or questions about specific places.

Are there trips on barges?
No – with the new focus of being a community doors open day, we want groups who operate year-round on the canal to showcase their activities at their normal bases. This includes taster sessions for beginners at the Forth Canoe Club and row boats at the Ashley Terrace Boat House. Due to the turning circles need by barges, barge trips would disrupt these activities and cause safety concerns for the clubs.
If you want to find out about free or paid barge trips at other times of year, please sign up to the Fountainbridge Canalside Community Trust e-news to hear about other community events we offer.

How can I get on the water?
There are a number of ‘on water’ activities. Forth Canoe Club have taster sessions at their Club House (donations please) and there is row boat hire at the Ashley Terrace Boat House. The Kingfisher Shuttle is a 6-person open boat that travels between Boroughmuir High School and Polwarth Church. There is no pre-booking for this service.

What is the Kingfisher Shuttle?
The Kingfisher Shuttle is intended to provide an alternative mode of transport for those who would struggle with the 10-15 minutes walk along the canal between the Fountainbridge Green and Harrison Park East zones. Kingfisher is a 6-person open boat that travels between Boroughmuir High School and Polwarth Church. There is no pre-booking. As it only takes 6 people you will probably have to wait. Please note the boat requires a small amount of balance and mobility to step into. Lifejackets provided.

What First Aid cover is in place?
If you take unwell or have an accident, please alert a marshal in the first instance, who can call for help from our First Aid providers – ABC Paramedics – who will be on foot patrol throughout the festival.
First Aid provision is also available from the Fountainbridge Canalside Community Trust stall at Harrison Park West, the Lochrin Belle Canal Boat at Fountainbridge Green and Panacea canal boat in the Lochrin Basin. Additionally fixed venues (e.g. cafes, North Merchiston Club, Polwarth Church, Edinburgh Printmakers) will have First Aid arrangements in place.

Is there space for prams and pushchairs?
This festival is on the flat and mainly in open park areas. There is space to wheel prams around the different areas and visit all areas. There is no specific pram parking.

What should I do if I become separated from my child?
We have marshals in bright blue t-shirts patrolling the whole festival area, and FCCT staff members in charge of each zone. The staff are all in touch with each other so please ask one of them for assistance if you become separated from your child. Make sure your child knows to look for these event staff too.

Is there alcohol at the event?
This is a family event and we ask that guests do not bring their own alcohol onto the site. There are pubs, such as The Fountain and The Golden Rule in the local area so please do feel free to go for a drink after you have visited the festival.