The "Flotilla of Lights" began 10 years ago, when a small group of boaters set out to bring a little extra brightness and craziness one winter night, on the Union Canal in Edinburgh!

The formula was simple; let’s decorate our boats, cruise slowly into town, play some live music and hope to find a public that might enjoy the fun! Awesome, no!?

The positive response from the crowds along the canal banks was amazing and it got stronger and stronger over the years as we repeated this mayhem. It reminds us why this celebration matters: it brings people together!

What started with no advertising and a simple shared idea has grown into a cherished community tradition, and we are deeply grateful for the few who have helped it flourish over the years...

To top it up, we thought that inviting the members of the public to shine their own wee lantern while they lined up along the canal banks would increase the magical effect of that moment, and it certainly did...

So, we got our sweet buckets loaded and decided to reward the lantern holders with sweets. Success!

Here we are, 10 years on and still a lot of dedication from a few to try make this Flotilla another great success!

The Lowland Canals Association (LCA) is trying to raise £1,500 to help cover the costs of the event and support this community project for it to continue for many years to come.

Here is a link to the LCA website; https://lowlandcanalsassociation.org/events/

If you can contribute, even only with a couple of pounds, great! …and if you can’t, then don’t worry, we would still love to share with you that special moment!

So, on Saturday 07th of Nov 2026, come along the Union Canal in Edinburgh where the flotilla will set off once again at 6.30pm from Harrison Park, reaching the Lochrin Basin at 7.15pm, with the display lasting around 45 minutes at each location.

This means that you don’t need to be right at the start of the Flotilla at Harrison Park to enjoy the show, but anywhere along the canal, the view will be the same…and bring your lovely lanterns!

Come on, life is too boring if you don’t give it a little kick! Please come and join a wee burst of fun with the boaters.

Since every little help, please support this event “if you can”…

Thanks.

Pierre (on behalf of the LCA team)