LEIGH Canal Festival is returning from September 13 to 15.

The free weekend event will be held at Leigh Miners Welfare Institute with canal cruises and a funfair included in the entertainment.

Traders boats will be stationed at the side of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and there will be 30 stalls selling crafts, food and refreshments and displaying information.

On the water the popular Kittiwake will be offering hour long canal trips for a modest charge and longer evening cruises will be available on Friday and Saturday evenings.

There is an opportunity for a longer cruise on the Friday to Worsley and back.

Canal cruises will begin on the Friday.

Narrow boats will be making a visit too.

The festival will start at 10am on both the Saturday and Sunday.

Leigh Journal:

A water taxi at Leigh Canal Festival last year. Picture: Daniel O'Rourke Photography

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A number of bands will perform at the venue on the Saturday afternoon and evening at Leigh Miners with entry being free again.

A ladies demonstration rugby league match will also be held at the Kirby Road venue.

The Canal and Rivers Trust and Green crew have worked hard improve an area of land between the Leigh Miners site and canal to open it for boats and public access.

The Leigh Neighbours Project and Wigan Council has sponsored the event.

There has also been substantial support from the Canal and Rivers Trust, Rotary Club of Astley, Rotary Club of Leigh and the host venue.