Excitement building ahead of Canal, Beer and Music festival

The first ever Brighouse Canal, Beer and Music Festival which takes place on the weekend of August 30 and 31 looks certain to be a great family weekend - and it’s free entry.
Getting ready for Brighouse Canal FestivalGetting ready for Brighouse Canal Festival
Getting ready for Brighouse Canal Festival

Organised by the Brighouse Business Initiative (BBI), who are the masterminds behind the hugely popular 1940s Weekend, this new festival is part of a series of events which will bring 250,000 visitors to Brighouse and be worth £2 million to the local economy this year.

The BBI is determined to keep Brighouse thriving and its independent shops busy. Shop occupancy rates are running at 96 per cent, well above most other local towns.

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Lesley Adams, chairwoman of the BBI, said: “Brighouse is really buzzing nowadays. The events we’re bringing to the town have captured people’s imaginations and they turn out in their thousands to enjoy them.

Brighouse Canal Festival will feature a street marketBrighouse Canal Festival will feature a street market
Brighouse Canal Festival will feature a street market

“This new event is really exciting, I can’t wait to see the canal boats and hear the great music we’ve lined up. The ever popular street market is bigger than ever.”

You’ll be able to see the historic waterway, the Calder and Hebble Navigation, filled with a large variety of boats. There will be boat trips, display stands and craft stalls.

The Calder Navigation Society (CNS) is co-ordinating all the moorings and boat movements. Other groups involved include the Canal and River Trust, the South Pennine Boat Club and the Association of Canal Cruising Clubs.

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Mike Fretwell, of the CNS, said: “We’re really excited to be involved with this festival. It’s sure to generate huge interest in the canal, which is great for all who use it.”

Roger DaviesRoger Davies
Roger Davies

The canal boats will make a colourful backdrop for the wonderful events taking place all over the town, which include three outdoor stages of live music and a huge street market.

The West Riding Classic Car Club will be putting on a display and there will be steam engine displays, canal crafts, a local real ale tent and lots to entertain the children including a funfair, steam train, boat trips and an animal display.

A local produce and craft market takes over the streets in the town centre. Stalls include street food, handmade crafts, soaps and jewellery. You’ll be able to sample food inspired by African and Caribbean cuisines as well as locally made cheeses, cakes, jams and pickles.

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Live music is being performed all day on three outdoor stages. More than 30 acts will get your feet tapping; from folk to jazz to popular music, it’s sure to entertain you.

Local singer and songwriter Roger Davies, who is headlining, will be performing a set ahead of his evening concert at the Civic Hall.

Tickets (£10) are available from Harrison Lord.

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