Canal festival set to return

A festival celebrating a beautiful local canal will make a welcome return in September.

The North Walsham & Dilham Canal Trust and their hosts Dilham Hall Retreats are working together again to bring the Canal Festival to Dilham for a second year.

The free festival will take place at the Canoe Field, in Oak Road on September 7 and 8.

A trust spokesperson said: “There is a rumour the Vikings will be invading and watch out for pirates! There’s great live music both days and boating on the canal.

“There will be even more exhibitors this year offering interesting goods, games and activities for all ages. See fascinating rural craft and learn more about our wildlife and environment. Enjoy delicious food, ice cream, a licensed bar and coffee stand.”

Three youth groups will be joining the fun. Stalham Sea Scouts with their ‘Test your aim’ challenges and tombola; 1st North Walsham Scouts offering games and organising the parking and the Joint Services Cadet Corps will lead a parade at 11am on both days.

The Queen of Light, beautifully restored by Abbey Boatbuilder – the Trust`s own weed harvester – and the replica wherry The Newun will operate in the canal. The Queen of Light will have a canal restoration display. Craft on view will include Landamore’s and the International Boat Building College.

On Saturday, at 2pm, Sonia Powley will run a pilates session so being your own mat or blanket to take part.

Dilham Hall Retreats offer canoes, paddle boards and kayaks for hire, as well as permitting self-launching of paddle craft for a small fee and inexpensive taster sessions over the festival weekend. Thanks to the efforts of the trust’s working parties removing sunken alder trunks, cutting back tree growth and harvesting aquatic weed, light craft can now navigate up to Honing Lock or down to Wayford Junction.

The festival will run from 10am-6pm on the Saturday (September 7) and 10am-4pm on the Sunday (September 8). People are welcome to being their own folding chairs. Onsite car parking (by donation) will be at Canalside Meadow, Oak Road, Dilham (NR28 9PW). For more information about the event, visit www.nwdct.org or search for @TheCanalFestival on Facebook.

WONDERFUL WATERWAY: The Canal Festival is returning.