tHE Leeds and Liverpool Canal is probably the biggest leisure asset that East Lancashire possesses.

Its towpath through Blackburn, Hyndburn, Burnley and Pendle attracts walkers, runners, cyclists as well as people who enjoy being afloat on the water.

But that said, the canal is still comparatively quiet and a lot of East Lancashire people have never taken time out to explore it.

Others fail to even realise, for example, that boats meander through town and negotiate locks just a few minutes walk from busy retail areas like Blackburn’s Asda supermarket.

Hopefully, two festivals to take place in the next few months will help to spread the word and give many people a chance to get to know our historic waterway.

On July 20 and 21, thousands are expected to be attracted to Blackburn’s first canal festival at Eanam Wharf which will feature art, boat trips, dance and fairground rides. In September, Burnley hosts its second festival over three days encompassing the Weavers’ Triangle, Straight Mile and Inn on the Wharf.

Let’s hope both events prove to be real fiestas of fun.