THE HAYES Canal Festival was a roaring success as over 2,500 people visited the canal in Hayes on Sunday, 16 September. 

People of all ages enjoyed boat trips, canoeing, paddle boarding and fishing with live music, children’s entertainment, displays, food and stalls also on offer. 

The festival is now in its fifth year and aims to celebrate all the canal can offer the local community. 

Ros Daniels, Canal & River Trust’s director, London and south east, says: “We’re delighted so many people came down to the canal in Hayes to enjoy the festival.

“The challenge now  is to encourage those who visited the festival to come down to the canal more regularly.

T"here is a huge array of things to do, whether that’s paddle boarding or fishing, or using the towpath for a run, walk or to escape the busy streets.

David Brough, Chairman of Hillingdon Canals Partnership, said: “The Hayes Canal Festival proves beyond doubt that whether you’re on the water or on the land the canal can offer something for almost everyone.

"Sunday’s event was a delight and it was great to see all sections of the diverse community of Hayes coming together to have fun.”

The event was supported by Hillingdon Canals Partnership, Hayes Town Partnership, Inland Waterways Association, High Point Village and Hillingdon Community Trust.

For more information about the Grand Union Canal and the Canal & River Trust, including how to volunteer or donate to the charity, go here.