Oxford Canal Festival 2020

The next Oxford Canal Festival is postponed to 16/17/18 september 2021.
More information

We're looking forward to seeing you next year for a fabulous FREE programme of activities for all the family. Meanwhile find out more about...

THE KILSBY PROJECT - RAISING MONEY FOR A COMMUNITY
NAROWBOAT RESTORATION PROJECT - MORE

Oxford Canal Festival 2016

Join us for a wonderful celebration of the Oxford Canal its attractions and its colourful history On September 16th/17th/18th September 2021. All proceeds will go towards the purchase and restoration of a community narrowboat for everyone to enjoy. And if you would like to lend us a hand, do contact us.

WRAP AROUND EVENTS

Ceilidh in St Barnabas

More information to follow.

Friday September 18th 2021
Three Chords and the Truth

venue tba.

Eclectic session/jam. Bring instruments or just come along, have a drink and enjoy the music.

THE MAIN EVENT
Saturday September 18th 2021

WHAT'S ON WHEN

Canal walk

A one-hour Heritage walk
with local historian, author and boat resident Mark Davies from Hythe Bridge to Aristotle Lane.

The route will encompass a railway
swingbridge, an important canal lock, and the literary-rich suburb of
Jericho, with reference to 'extraordinary people' of both boat and bank.'
No charge but contributions welcomed.

Dog Show

No previous experience required. Many classes - Waggiest tail, Prettiest Bitch, Handsomest Dog, Best Trick, Best Sausage catcher and Fancy Dress!

Canal Olympics

Canal-themed fun and games. Bring friends and family. Something for everyone from boaters' arm wrestling to sack-of-coal race and Canal Tug challenge.

Wildlife walk: the Trap Grounds

Join us by Aristotle Bridge for a guided walk around the Trap Grounds Local Wildlife Site and Town Green, led by Linda Losito and Bob Cowley, ending with an alfresco glass of wine.

Thank you to all our sponsors and partners. More info.

Please note the following safety Information about the Oxford Canal Festival

No professional recording equipment
No Glass bottles
No illegal substances
Anyone found in possession of illegal substances will be handed over to the police
Unsociable behaviour or intimidation will not be tolerated
Perpetrators may be removed from the event, police may be called if necessary

ALL AFTERNOON 12 - 6pm

Live music

Fantastic folk, rock, soul and world music.

Delicious Food & Drink

A range of delicous food and drink from Middle Eastern, Japanese and Indian to cakes & Crepes, plus beer and cafe.

Canal Cinema: St Margaret's Institute

Unique chance to view film shorts about local history and the canal, plus prizewinning entries from our Video Competition. Stop off, drop in. Next to the Anchor pub.

Kids' activities & family fun

Swing boats, bouncy castle, Boo Boo the Clown, children's activities with soft play, face painting & much more.

Boat trips

Slow down and enjoy the canal afloat. We will be offering trips along the canal on Oxford’s new water taxi the Gerry Ferry www.oxfordferryboats.com , and on a narrow boat courtesy of the Inland Waterways Team. Trips can be booked from the festival information stall on the day and will last approximately 30 minutes.

Canal traditions

Inspired by narrow boats and the nature of the canal including design your own boat, mobile making, roses & castles and some exciting street art. Canal memorabilia - and a chance to have a go yourself.

Tooley's Boatyard

Information about Tooley’s Boatyard, the oldest working dry dock on the Inland Waterways, having been in continuous use since 1778. Find out more about ou open day our RYA boat school, which offers certificated RYA Helmsman Courses, boat experience days, rope workshops and hourly courses.
Watch forging displays by our blacksmith on the mobile forge!

Community Stalls & Traders

Community stalls and a selection of local traders, including some on canal boats that will join in the festival along the nearby towpath.

The Cut

Talks, stories, children's shows.