Casting off for some canal day festival fun

The festival, on the Oxford Canal beside the Castle Quay shopping centre, will begin at 10.30am when the Dancing Duck narrowboat makes its way along the water followed by a steamboat and a flotilla of canoeists.

The theme this year is ‘Colours Of The Rainbow’.

Visitors will be able to move around the site by boats and water taxis.

Boating enthusiast Pat Thomas said she would be organising the boat trips this year, replacing Ron and Mary Heritage, who had been organisers for years previously before having to step down due to ill health.

Mrs Thomas, from Southampton, said: “I was a volunteer for the first time last year and I was amazed by the pop-up nature of the event.”

There will be four boats in operation transporting passengers from the Sovereign Wharf to Tooley’s Boatyard.

She said: “We have about 30 volunteers, many of whom have worked here at the festival for many years.

“There will also be live music and performances for people to enjoy.”

She added that Mr and Mrs Heritage would be a “tough act” to follow, but she was grateful for the opportunity to take on their work.

Boat trips are free but donations will support the Inland Waterways Association, which campaigns for the use, maintenance and restoration of all Britain’s inland waterways.

Banbury Town Council leader Kieron Mallon said: “This event is bigger and better than ever and a must-attend event for anyone in Banbury interested in boating.

“The canalside will be full of people enjoying themselves and we urge everyone to come along and take part.”

Tooley’s Boatyard will be displaying old engines and boats, with a chance for visitors to watch a blacksmith at work.

The Mill Arts Centre will also be opening its doors for entertainment and food while General Foods Garden will host a free folk concert adjacent to the towpath.

Hook Norton Brewery is providing ale and food throughout the day to help keep hunger at bay.

The event will run from 10.30am to 5pm. Entry is free.