All aboard the Floating Stage planned for canal

A NEW performance venue is in the wings for the Union and Forth & Clyde Canals. The vision is of a floating stage that can be moored at different places providing a performance space for amateur, semi and professional entertainers.

The Floating Stage project aims to serve all the villages, towns and communities along the 66 miles of canal between Glasgow and Edinburgh. Those invited to use it will include community organisations, charity fundraisers, local choirs, bands, dramatic societies and schools a unique venue and a way to reach their communities.

This project evolved from the recent Flotilla200, the

200th anniversary celebrations of the Lowland canals, when boaters, charity and volunteer organisations and local communities come together for a weekend of celebration.

Entertainment included lots of music and dance. The organisers were approached by many individuals and groups, wishing to be involved. All of this provided the inspiration for a floating stage that will bring communities together to enjoy the unique environment of the canals.

People have already signed up for membership or volunteering with The Floating Stage. There are many ways to get involved, from receiving the newsletter to volunteering for anything from the initial management team, a trustee or the committee.

Stuart Rennie, founder and principal of the Floating Stage project said: “The concept for the Floating Stage was borne out of the celebrations of the 200th anniversary of the Union Canal, which brought together the boating fraternity, local communities, and many types of entertainment both on the water and on the banks of the canal. It really was a festival of entertainment, and it’s now great to see the vision moving towards becoming a reality. I would encourage as many as possible to show their support, either through our website, or on our social media channels.”

A new not for profit charitable organisation will be formed to create and operate the stage along the canal with real possibilities of