Canal Dream Art Festival
Where art meets water, community, and heritage.
About the Festival
Canal Dream Art Festival (CDAF) is a pioneering, arts-led festival dedicated to London’s canal network, celebrating art, nature, community, and heritage on the water.
​
Bringing together vibrant emerging creatives and under-recognised canal communities, CDAF activates historic waterways as living cultural corridors. Each edition takes place across multiple boats and canalside spaces, featuring over 100 artists across visual art, performance art, music, poetry and spoken word, alongside participatory workshops, attracting thousands of visitors.
​
In collaboration with cross-sector partners and supporters, CDAF operates as a platform supporting emerging creative practice, strengthening community connections, raising environmental awareness, and contributing to canal and waterside regeneration.
Founder’s Note
“CDAF was founded on the belief that art can catalyse canal regeneration and social change.
Our five-year goal is to develop it into a sustainable, linear cultural celebration spanning Regent’s Canal.”
Chuntian Hu
Founder & Producer of CDAF
Founder & Director, Canal Dream CIC
Festival Partner Quote
“Her professionalism, meticulous organisation, exceptional network, and innate grasp of theatricality made the festival unforgettable for thousands. We wouldn’t hesitate to be part of her next project.”
​
— Paddy Screech, Co-founder & Co-director, Word on the Water – The London Bookbarge
​
​The 3rd Canal Dream Art Festival
Theme: Innocence & Experience
21–23 August 2026
Regent’s Canal, King’s Cross, London
The third edition of CDAF explores:
-
Cultural: A dialogue between contemporary artistic practice and industrial canal heritage.
-
Social: Responding to challenges facing UK waterways, including low engagement among younger generations and a lack of diversity.
-
Organisational: Reflecting CDAF’s transition from grassroots beginnings toward a more sustainable model.
The festival is currently in its planning and development phase. We are seeking:
-
Value-aligned sponsors, partners, and supporters
-
Volunteer advisory board members with experience in fundraising, business development, marketing & PR, social impact strategy, and operations
-
Volunteer creatives to support our fundraising campaigns
Step aboard and help bring the dream back to the canal.
To get involved, please send a short email to:
