C'Fest, the Gnosall Canal Festival, returns this summer for three days of community celebration along the Shropshire Union Canal. Now in its sixth year, what started as a small village gathering has grown into a popular local event drawing visitors from across the region.
What's On
The festival is packed with things to see and do across the weekend, including:
- Free narrowboat rides (book at the GTR stand in the festival garden behind The Navigation Inn)
- Over 60 stalls with handmade crafts, nautical antiques, locally grown produce and unique gifts
- Historic working narrowboats moored along the towpath, many open to the public
- Live music throughout the weekend, with rock, blues, folk, pop and jazz acts performing
- Children's activities including pirate hat making, bridge building, dragonfly making and brass rubbing
- A festival raffle drawn on Saturday and Sunday evening, with prizes including a day boat trip
- Food, drink and refreshments available all weekend
The Canal's Story
The Shropshire Union Canal was built in the 1830s under engineer Thomas Telford. Through Gnosall, it was cut deep into sandstone, creating the striking cutting that still shapes the village landscape today. The festival celebrates the canal's journey from industrial route to the green, wildlife-rich corridor it is now.
Getting There
Gnosall sits on the A518 between Stafford and Newport. Free car parking is available (weather permitting) just past Bridge 34 next to The Boat Inn on Wharf Road (WhatThreeWords: ///yours.swimsuits.grins).
From Stafford station, take the Arriva number 5, 5A or 5B bus towards Telford and alight at The Navigation Inn, then walk down to the towpath. A free shuttle bus will also run in the village on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm, every 20 to 30 minutes, following the service bus route to and from The Navigation Inn. Donations to the Gnosall Towpath Restoration group are welcome.
The festival is organised by the Gnosall Towpath Restoration group in association with Gnosall Parish Council.
Source: gnosallcanalfestival.co.uk
