Record turnout for Bigman2 festival

21 September 2009

An estimated 4000 visitors turned out for the second Bigman event held on the Forth & Clyde Canal at Maryhill Locks, on Sunday 20 September. This is a fantastic increase on the 2500 people who attented last year's festival.

As well as plenty of family fun and entertainment, Bigman2 gave visitors a great opportunity to see a scaled down version of the 30 metre high Bigman sculpture by renowned artist, Andy Scott. The real sculpture will appear to hold aloft the proposed iconic footbridge designed to link communities on either side of the Forth & Clyde Canal.

During the day-long event, visitors watched eleven teams competing in the colourful sport of dragon boat racing along the Kelvin Aqueduct, and a waterpolo competition with five teams taking part: Glasgow University; Heriott Watt University; Dundee University; Stirling CC and Team Scotia.

They also enjoyed free boat trips to Stockingfield Junction, free sailing taster sessions with the Royal Yachting Association Scotland (RYA), and live music and street entertainment.

Bigman was run by The Waterways Trust Scotland with support from British Waterways Scotland; Glasgow City Council; Glasgow Canal Regeneration; Queens Cross Housing Association Limited; Sustrans; Maryhill Housing Association; GHA; Cube Housing Association and Halcrow.

Further information on the Forth and Clyde Canal or other canals within the Scottish canal network can be found at www.scottishcanals.co.uk.

Ends

For further information contact Joanna Harrison, British Waterways Scotland, on 0141 354 7567/07824 499180.