PREPARATIONS for Selby's first canal extravaganza are taking shape, with a weekend set and events planned.

Selby District Council bosses met in February to discuss the event, which is being billed Canal Fest, and concrete plans are now being made.

Marketing officer Neil Harrison said people could "celebrate and reflect on the history of the Selby Canal and waterways" during the weekend.

The event is scheduled to be held on the weekend of September 15 and 16.

Mr Harrison said: "Abbey Leisure Centre will be providing a number of activities over the weekend.

"We are going to play It's A Knockout - there'll be fun games and races held in the centre pool.

"Local schools will be contacted to provide teams for the competition. Everyone can come along to watch and cheer on the kids from the viewing area."

Mr Harrison said the sports centre would also play host to an exhibition of art from local art students and a lifesaving display.

"A number of paintings and pieces of artwork reflecting Selby Canal will be on display over the weekend," he said.

"And staff will be providing a live demonstration of the importance of water safety and rescue techniques."

He said lifeguards would perform a multiple incident rescue, demonstrating both rescue and first aid.

He said the public would have an opportunity to ask questions and there would be information on gaining life-saving qualifications and on joining Selby's own rookie life-saving scheme.

Not all of the events will focus on Abbey Leisure Centre. Mr Harrison said discussions were under way with a brass band to organise a performance in Selby Park.

Although events were still being planned, he said there would hopefully be a guided canal walk for visitors.

Local businesses have been getting behind Canal Fest too.

Simon Banks, part-owner and general manager of Selby Boat Centre, which provides a full range of boating services, including narrow boat hire and canal moorings, said: "This is something we've been wanting to do ourselves for a number of years, but it's never come to fruition before."

Mr Banks said the centre was trying to organise entertainment for the festival that would appeal to families on a day out, as well as keen boaters.

"We're looking at having some knot and ropework displays, exhibiting some canal crafts and artwork, and getting some of our suppliers in to offer technical advice to the boating enthusiasts," he said.

"And during the festival, we'll be offering special deals in our shop."