Things to Do on the Bank Holiday: Visit CCNA and Tarporley at IWA Canalway Cavalcade
- stephdye2
- 6 hours ago
- 2 min read
If you are looking for things to do on the Bank Holiday, put Little Venice on your list. The IWA Canalway Cavalcade returns from 2nd to 4th May 2026 for a full weekend celebration of London’s waterways. Better still, it is a free event, so you can enjoy the atmosphere without buying a ticket.
Set in the heart of Little Venice, the festival brings together colourful boats, waterside stalls, family entertainment and live music. It is one of those rare London events that feels busy, friendly and easy to explore at your own pace. It is also a great reason to come down and find CCNA and see Tarporley in person.
A free event with plenty to see and do:
The festival runs 10am to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday, with an illuminated boat procession from 9pm on Sunday (which CCNA and Tarporley will be taking part in). On Monday, it runs from 10am to 5pm. Public admission is free throughout the weekend. The event takes place in Little Venice, around W9 2PF and W2 6NE.
There is plenty happening across the site. Visitors can expect a packed mix of food stalls, craft traders, children’s activities and boating displays. You can pick up everything from artisan pasta and handmade cakes to Greek souvlaki, Jamaican food, crepes and Indian street food. There is also an on-site bar, which makes it even easier to settle in for the day.
If you are bringing children, the programme is especially strong. Rembrandt Gardens will host canal-themed crafts, puppet shows, circus skills, face painting and interactive performances across the weekend. The RNLI will also be running water safety activities, which adds something practical as well as fun.
Why CCNA and Tarporley are worth seeking out:
As part of the wider festival, CCNA offers a more personal connection to London’s waterways. Seeing Tarporley at the Cavalcade gives visitors the chance to meet the charity in a lively setting and get a clearer sense of the work it does on and off the water.
That matters because the event is not just a backdrop. It is a celebration of the canal community, and CCNA is part of that story. So, if you are curious about community boating, volunteering, heritage or future trips, this is the perfect time to stop by and say hello.
Things to do on the Bank Holiday without overplanning:
One of the best things about Canalway Cavalcade is how easy it is to enjoy. You can arrive for an hour, or stay all day. You can browse the stalls, watch the decorated boats, listen to live music and then make your way over to Tarporley. Londonist describes it as a free, family-friendly canal festival with more than 100 boats moored in Little Venice over the Bank Holiday weekend.
If you want things to do on the Bank Holiday that feel different, local and genuinely useful, this is a strong option. As a Free Event, it offers plenty to do without the pressure of a big spend. Head to Little Venice, enjoy the festival, and make sure CCNA and Tarporley are part of your visit.
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