Rochdale Canal Festival scoops national award

Date article online: 18/03/2008

Celebrations are in order after the Rochdale Canal Festival scooped a prestigious national title at the 'Waterways Renaissance Awards.' Last summers event, staged by Rochdale and Oldham Council in partnership with the Waterways Trust and British Waterways was named as winner of the 'Partnership' award at a glittering ceremony at the Imperial War Museum North in Manchester.

The festival beat off stiff competition from the North Oxford Canal Partnership and Stourport Forward Market Towns Initiative to win the award, although it was a nail biting moment when the winner was announced said Frances Fielding from Rochdale Council: "We knew it was going to be close and how strong the competition was, so we were absolutely delighted when we were announced as winners."

The Waterways Renaissance Awards, run by The Waterways Trust and BURA recognises best practice in sustainable waterway regeneration and development throughout the UK. The nominations were judged by an independent assessment panel, comprising waterway, conservation and regeneration experts and chaired by Sir Neil Cussons.

The Rochdale Canal Festival, a two week programme of free canal-related activities for 7-14 year olds was praised for demonstrating outstanding partnership working with over 40 different groups, organisations and community activists volunteering their time and resources to help deliver the festival.

Councillor Mohamed Sharif, Cabinet Member for Regeneration from Rochdale Council said it was an outstanding achievement: "These awards are extremely competitive and viewed as highly prestigious within the waterways and regeneration arenas throughout the UK. This win is a much needed boost to raise the profile of the Rochdale Canal and encourage more good work along the Canal for future years, it is particularly pleasing to see Rochdale competing and winning against some of the best organisations in the country."

HRH The Prince of Wales said the Waterways Renaissance Awards are an excellent way to celebrate and encourage the very best in the redevelopment and regeneration of the Nation's waterways:"Everyone involved with the projects celebrated tonight should be proud of what they have achieved, and I send my warmest congratulations."

Plans are well underway for this year's Rochdale Canal Festival, which promises to be bigger and better than last year.