Park is packed out as popular canal festival returned

Heavy showers on Saturday contrasted with glorious sunshine on Sunday as the Slough Canal Festival was held in Bloom Park, Middlegreen Road in Langley last week.

The two day event next to the Slough arm of the Grand Union Canal enticed many families to enjoy a wide range of activities.

Lynsey Hellewell, event organiser from Slough Borough Council, said: “We were really pleased with how the event went again this year.

“Things got off to a bit of a damp start on the Saturday but thankfully it brightened up on the Sunday and by the end we’d seen around 5,000 visitors pass through the gates. 

“The animals and face painting went down particularly well with the kids and there was a wonderful family atmosphere.

“I’d like to thank everyone who helped make the weekend a resounding success, including Slough Urban Renewal, the exhibitors, and everyone who came along to enjoy the festivities.

“This event is always a joy to run and we look forward to doing it again next year.”

The free event included boat trips along the canal, a pet corner and falconry displays, as well as arts and crafts.

Dianne Richards, from the Friends of Slough Canal, said: "It was brilliant. It was a soggy Saturday and the numbers were down, but Sunday made up for it.

"I do not think I have ever seen so many people there. There were queues of cars on the road waiting to get in.

"We spoke to people who had come from as far away as Kent and people who had picked up the canal network from Ealing - it was amazing.

"It was a great success and was very popular, and lots of people have promised to come back next year."

A special prize was handed out to six-year-old Joe Griffin, who was given a certificate of awesomeness and a small gift from the Friends of Slough Canal on Saturday, for his help each month in the clean up of the canal and the surrounding area, and his passion for keeping the area clean.