If you’re looking for a fun summer’s day out, head to Leighton-Linslade in Bedfordshire.
The town council hosts a number of free to attend community events annually, the largest of which attracts up to 9,000 visitors annually to the picturesque Tiddenfoot Waterside Park. This country park adjacent to the Grand Union Canal provides the setting for the ever popular Linslade Canal Festival. This year the event takes place on 28 July, from 11am to 5pm.
Promoting arts and crafts, cottage industries, life on the canal, conservation and heritage, visitors will have the opportunity to browse the numerous handcraft and trade stalls offering goods from jewellery, wooden items, gifts, plants, glassware and pet accessories alongside demonstrations of trades from yesteryear.
Walking along the towpath, visitors will find a large number of colourful narrow boats selling anything from hand crafted gifts, knitted items, to cheese, fudge and art work. New for 2018, there will be live demonstrations of Blacksmith forging and a mobile petting farm.
Rural craft demonstrators will provide a visual insight into the traditional skills as well as Bee Skeps, Love Spoons, Corn Dollies, Basket Making and Besom Brooms offering visitors the chance to “have a go”.
A programme of live music will set your toes a tapping with styles ranging from folk to contemporary; so, grab a hay-bale and relax with a local ale from the well-stocked bar.
The park offers plenty of space whether you choose a quiet corner to chill out and watch the world go by, picnic by the lakeside or enjoy the hustle bustle of the tow path; there is something for everyone.
Pedestrian admission to the festival is free. Nearby car parking is available for the event site at £5 per car. A charge of £2.50 for blue badge holders applies with free transfer to the event for the less mobile. These fees are collected by local voluntary organisations and a donation is made to local charitable causes.
For more information about this summer event visit www.leightonlinslade-tc.gov.uk.
