The first ever Brighouse Canal, Beer & Music Festival aims to make a big noise this weekend.
Organised by the Brighouse Business Initiative (BBI), also behind the popular 1940s Weekend, the new festival is part of a series of events aimed at bringing 250,000 visitors a year to the town, boosting the economy by up to £2m.
The festival will celebrate the town’s historic Calder & Hebble Navigation with a pint or two of real ale, accompanied by live music.
Brighouse singer-songwriter Roger Davies will headline the musical entertainment and other performers include Dave MacPherson, Avon Blyth, Kirklees Brass, Rooster Blue, Fie Fie Fie and Do Miss America.
The canal will provide a colourful backdrop for a festival which will include live music on three stages, a huge food and crafts market, a real ale tent, a funfair and displays of classic cars, steam engines and boats.
Brighouse has a thriving town centre with many independent shops and the BBI is determined to keep it that way. Shop occupancy rates are 96%, well above most other local towns.
BBI chairman Lesley Adams said: “Brighouse is really buzzing nowadays. The events we are bringing to the town have captured people’s imaginations and they turn out in their thousands to enjoy them.
“This new event is really exciting. I can’t wait to see the canal boats and hear the great music we have lined up. The ever popular street market is bigger than ever.”
The Calder Navigation Society is organising the water-borne activities and spokesman Mike Fretwell said: “We are really excited to be involved.
“The society has been looking after the Navigation since its inception in 1969 and providing boat trips is only one of our many activities.
Take a look back at the Huddersfield Food and Drink Festival
“It’s sure to generate huge interest in the canal which is great for all who use it.”
A local produce and craft market takes over the streets in the town centre. African and Caribbean cuisines will be available alongside locally-made cheeses, cakes, jams and pickles.
More than 30 acts will bring music from jazz to pop, folk to brass.
On Saturday music runs from 11am-10pm on stages in Thornton Square and Bethel Street car park. On Sunday it’s 11am-5pm.
Admission is free and visitors are invited to bring their own folding chairs, sit back and enjoy the party. The festival starts at 10am on both days.
For more details see www.brighousecanalfestival.co.uk .
