'Water' weekend of family fun down by the river in Leeds

Fun in the sun at last year's festival.

It is one of the city’s most loved festivals and returns this weekend for a packed programme of family fun by the waterways.

Leeds Waterfront Festival gets underway tomorrow with activities from karakoe to cannon firing at four locations.

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There is fishing, canoe/kayak and paddle-boarding at Granary Wharf; spectacular dragon boat races, street food, music and the quest to find Leeds’ strongest human at Leeds Dock and a historic look at life on the water at The Royal Armouries.

Explore an 18th century naval encampment, watch a pirate battle and the firing of cannons and firearms used by pirates and the Royal Navy.

Fun for the adults takes place at Brewery Wharf with DJs, music and karaoke.

The festival comes days before senior councillors will be asked to approve creating a new fund to help transform the waterfront with culture being placed at the heart of its future.

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The Waterfront Investment Fund, of up to £100,000, would offer grant funding for activities to enhance the waterfront by making it more accessible and attractive.

Landowners along the River Aire through the city centre and South Bank are also being encouraged to sign up to a Waterfront Charter which would see all stakeholders commit to working together.

Leader Judith Blake said: “The momentum is really building now in the South Bank with families moving in, thousands of students learning there every day and major new businesses investing in the area. We are looking at how we can maximise the opportunities offered on and alongside the River Aire.”