If you happen to enjoy strolling the canals and perusing the abundance of boats in Camden, Hackney, or Little Venice; we’d highly recommend you checking out the fantastic canal festival that’s making its grand return to the capital this weekend.
The IWA Canalway Cavalcade is an annual festival celebrating our historic waterways and canal systems. It will return to London on Saturday, May 3, and remain there for the entire bank holiday weekend.
Credit: @canalcavalcade via Instagram
Although, of course, a lot of the action will be taking place in the water, there’s still plenty to do on land. From unique stalls boasting arts and crafts to the best local food and drink, there’s a multitude of activities thanks to the jam-packed festival line-up. There’s truly something for everyone, including the legendary illuminated procession, live music all weekend, fun specifically curated for kids, and so much more!
The local community has even gotten involved just for the occasion, with nearby schools creating art that will be on display at the festival, and several floating communities coming together to hone the importance of this incredible London quirk.
Canalway Calvacade is organised by the Inland Waterways Association, the UK’s only independent, national charity campaigning for the country’s canals and rivers. The festival encompasses the charity’s mission to preserve these precious environments, with so many awesome things to do throughout the weekend to honour this.
As well as the festival and crucial charity work, the IWA are famed for providing insightful guided tours of the UK’s canals and waterways, including some fantastic offerings here in London.
IWA Canalway Cavalcade is taking place on from May 3 to May 5. You’ll be able to find the festival at Blomfield Road, in Little Venice, W9 2PF. The nearest stations are Paddington and Warwick Avenue, with both being a five-minute walk from the festival. For more information on IWA Canalway Cavalcade, click here to visit their website.