PREPARATIONS are well under way for two celebrations of the region’s waterways this summer.

Blackburn and Burnley will both hold their own festivals on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal to commemorate the huge importance they played in establishing the towns as industrial powerhouses.

They hope the events will encourage the canal to be used postively for leisure activities by residents and link with clean-up operations.

It will be the first year that a canal festival has been held in Blackburn and is expected to attract thousands of people to the Eanam Wharf area.

The festival, which is being held in conjunction with DAPA and part-funded by the council, will take place over two days on July 20 and 21 will feature art exhibitions, canal trips, dance and fairground rides.

The organisers came up with the idea after seeing the success of Burnley’s canal festival last year — which is also set to return for three days, from September 13 to 15 – and encompass a wider stretch of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

The Weavers’ Triangle, Straight Mile, Thompson Park and the Inn on the Wharf will also feature in the waterside fiesta.

Emma Bartlet, of the Canal and Rivers Trust, said: “Many of the boats will be decorated especially for the event, which is part of Burnley’s Heritage Open Days celebrations.”

Bill Charnley, chair of the Blackburn Festival said: “I’ve always been interested in water and wanted to marry that to educating young people about the connection between the canals and work in the mills.

“We’d like to thank our supporters but need to raise a further £1,000 from local businessesfor the finishing touches.”

To donate to Blackburn Canal Festiva, call Jane Vernon on 01254 699221.

Bookings can be made for moorings at the Burnley festival through emma.bartlet@canalrivertrust.org.uk.