The festival - the only event in Scotland to bring all paddlesport disciplines together under the one roof - will again be held at the Dewar's Centre, Perth over the weekend of the 30th and 31st October.

Hardy visitors and traders from 2002 will remember that the event then was located in Dewar's Ice Hall - big, open and airy, but by its very nature, a cold place not conducive to lingering. The good news is that this year we have the neighbouring Bowling Hall, an altogether warmer and friendlier proposition. We have decided to stay at the same location as it is very central with easy transport access from all over Scotland. The popularity of Perthshire as a canoeing and kayaking destination is also a factor, as many of our visitors take the opportunity of combining the festival weekend with a canoeing trip.

As in previous years, this year's event will hold a balance between trade exhibition and participative activity for visitors. Early response from the trade has been excellent with many previous exhibitors signing up and some newcomers dipping their paddles in the water for the first time.

Provisional booking has also been made for the coaching pool in the adjacent Leisure Centre, again allowing the Festival a degree of on-water activity in controlled conditions. This will be used to run 'Have-a-Go' sessions under the supervision of qualified coaches to give newcomers to the sport an opportunity to try it for themselves.

As usual, there will be a busy programme of talks and presentations throughout the weekend and, for SCA members, the association's AGM will be held at the Centre at 5pm on the Saturday afternoon.

For all the latest news on who will be exhibiting and confirmation of festival events, keep an eye on the website!

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