Brentford Canal Festival Turns Five This Year
Organisers call for community support to keep it free
An aerial view of the Brentford Canal Festival. Picture: Brentford Voice
January 30, 2026
Brentford’s much-loved Canal Festival will return on Saturday 20 June, celebrating its fifth anniversary with a full day of free music, water sports, food and family activities along the Grand Union Canal. Now recognised as the largest free festival in the London Borough of Hounslow, the event draws up to 7,000 visitors each year and is delivered almost entirely by volunteers.
Organised by Brentford Voice, a local not-for-profit community group, the Festival showcases Brentford’s waterways, creativity and community spirit. Highlights include live music and dance performances, free boat trips, paddle-sport taster sessions, and a vibrant mix of food and craft stalls.
But with funding for free community events becoming increasingly difficult to secure, organisers have launched a public fundraising campaign to help cover costs and ensure the Festival remains free and inclusive. Local residents and small businesses are being invited to contribute whatever they can.
Martin Case, Chair of Brentford Voice, said, “The Canal Festival belongs to everyone who lives, works or spends time in Brentford. If people value free cultural events, clean waterways and strong local communities, this is a chance to help make that happen.”
This year’s fundraising will also support a new Community Legacy Fund, aimed at delivering longer-term benefits for the area. Planned projects include towpath improvements, biodiversity initiatives and better facilities for water-sports users along the canal.
Supporters can donate, share the campaign, or simply attend the Festival to show their backing. A short film capturing the scale and spirit of the event is available here and donations can be made via the Festival’s Crowdfunder page.
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