Islington Tribune - News: Angel canal festival

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Islington Tribune - by JAMIE WELHAM
Published: 7 September 2007

Megan, 7, and Max Stevens, 3

With stalls, a climbing tower and a funfair, the Angel Canal Festival had something for everyone

HUNDREDS of boats took to the water to celebrate the 21st Angel Canal Festival on Sunday.
For the land lubbers that descended on Regent’s Canal, there was a climbing tower, seven foot roller-blading Angel and a Chinese ribbon dancer.
A fun fair and around 70 stalls selling canalware, local crafts and home made delicacies lined the towpath between City Road Basin and Packington Park to keep the 7000 strong crowd entertained.
On the water itself there were boat trips, displays by Islington Boat Club, a regatta and a hotly contested boat race between local community groups.
Festival coordinator Beryl Windsor said: “We wanted to bring as many people down to the canal as possible to see what a lovely place it is.
“Everyone had a wonderful time and I hope that now they will come back for more than just one day a year.”
Free wrist bands, carrying parents contact details, were introduced this year to ease concerns about children getting lost in the crowds.
The festival was founded by Jim Lagden, who was presented with a birthday cake on the day, and Crystal Hale in 1987 to celebrate the return of the narrow boat Angel from a week long trip abroad with inner city children.
The free festival celebrates the canal’s history and promotes it as an attraction for the whole community.

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