New community fund announced by Loch Lomond Shores

New community fund announced by Loch Lomond Shores

Loch Lomond Shores Community Fund NOW CLOSED

New community fund announced by Loch Lomond Shores

West Dunbartonshire community groups set to benefit from £2,500 fund

Loch Lomond Shores has announced it is establishing a new community fund to benefit local groups in Balloch, Alexandria, Dumbarton, Helensburgh, and the surrounding areas within 10 miles of Loch Lomond Shores.

The new fund will launch this year with a £2,500 pot to provide up to £250 in grants to local groups. Groups can apply via the form on this page from Friday 10th July, with applications closing on the 14th of September, and the donation to successful groups issued by 12th October 2026.

Speaking about the new Loch Lomond Shores Community Fund, Audrey Calder from Loch Lomond Shores says:

ā€œWe are delighted to launch this fund to help local community groups. Having welcomed many community groups to Loch Lomond Shores over the years, we have always supported them when possible. The creation of this fund means we can do even more to support them by providing them with the opportunity to secure much-needed funds to continue their good work.
ā€œWhether it’s a food bank, dance group, football team, senior club or any organisation that’s local and bringing benefits to the community, we’d love them to apply.
ā€œThe only criteria is that they must be within 10 miles of Loch Lomond Shores and be a non-profit group/organisation.ā€
ā€œOur aim is that the Loch Lomond Shores Community Fund will become an annual way of us giving back to our community going forward.ā€

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED AS OF 14TH SEPTEMBER.

Thank you to every group who applied! We have had a huge response, so we’ll take some time to sort through them all before selecting the lucky recipients. We will notify everyone by the end of this month. Successful recipients will receive their funding by 12 October 2026 at the latest.

TWO-DAY September Weekend Market

TWO-DAY September Weekend Market

September Bank Holiday Market - 27th & 28th September

September Bank Holiday Market – TWO DAYS!

Looking for something to do over the Glasgow September Bank Holiday weekend? Come and spend a day on the Bonnie Banks at our special two-day Bank Holiday Market at Loch Lomond Shores!

šŸ“… Sunday 27th & Monday 28th September 2026
ā° 10am – 4pm both days
šŸ“ Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch

We’ll have a fantastic selection of our regular market favourites alongside guest traders, with artisan gifts, handmade crafts, local produce, delicious food, sweet treats and street food to browse and enjoy.
With two full days of market shopping, it’s the perfect excuse to make the most of the long weekend and enjoy a day out at Loch Lomond.

And, of course, there’s plenty more to discover while you’re here, with shopping, places to eat and family attractions around Loch Lomond Shores – not to mention that rather spectacular Lochside setting!

Whether you’re hunting for something unique, stocking up on your favourite local goodies or simply fancy a wander around the market with something tasty in hand, we’d love to see you.

šŸ›ļø Two days. Lots of traders. One beautiful location.
Join us Sunday 27th AND Monday 28th September, 10am–4pm.

Market Applications:

Vendors who wish to join us can apply via SHS Events LtdšŸ‘‡
Apply now!

BAKEFEST LOCH LOMOND POSTPONED UNTIL 2027!

BAKEFEST LOCH LOMOND POSTPONED UNTIL 2027!

Bakefest26 POSTPONED UNTIL 2027

BAKEFEST26 POSTPONEDšŸ°

We were really excited to launch our brand-new BAKEFEST later this month, bringing all things baking and sweet treats to the Bonnie Banks. Unfortunately, due to operational issues that we’re unable to resolve in time, we’ve made the decision to postpone BAKEFEST until 2027.

We know you were looking forward to it as much as we were, but don’t worry – BAKEFEST will be back, and we’ll announce the new 2027 date as soon as it’s confirmed! šŸ§šŸ°

In the meantime, there’s still LOTS happening at Loch Lomond Shores for the rest of this year! šŸ™Œ
šŸ›ļø Sunday Market – 20th September – Our regular Sunday Market will be here as usual, from 10am–4pm.
šŸ›ļø September Bank Holiday Market – Sun 27th & Mon 28th September – We’ll also have a special TWO-DAY Market over the Bank Holiday weekend, with a great selection of traders, food and treats to enjoy.
🐾 Top Dogs Day Out – Saturday 17th October – One of our favourite family events returns, so get those four-legged family members ready!
šŸŽ„ Loch Lomond Christmas Festival – 5th & 6th December – We’ll be finishing our festival year in style with our BIG two-day Christmas Festival – festive market, food, Lomond Radio hosting our Festival Stage, and plenty of Christmas cheer on the Bonnie Banks! šŸŽ…āœØ

So while the ovens will have to wait a little longer for BAKEFEST, our markets and events are still as planned, with plenty more reasons to visit us before the end of the year. šŸ’™

First up – we’ll see you at our Sunday Market on 20th September! šŸ›ļø

Make sure you keep an eye on our Socials and the Event Page on our website for updates and news on our other events

We hope to see you soon!

āœØšŸ§‘šŸ»ā€šŸ³ Trader applications for our other eventsšŸ‘‡
APPLY NOW!

For full details of what’s on and when, keep an eye on our Social Media accounts for the latest updates.

Loch Lomond Food & Drink Festival 2026

Loch Lomond Food & Drink Festival 2026

Loch Lomond Food & Drink Festival 2026 is back this September!

Calling all Foodies!

One of Scotland’s biggest FREE food and drink festivals is back this September!

The annual Loch Lomond Food and Drink Festival, held at Loch Lomond Shores on the 5th and 6th September, is back – bringing fun for foodies again this year!

Our FREE chef demonstrations will be hosted by one of the UK’s favourite Italian chefs, Tony Alberti at 12pm. 1.30pm and 3pm, where he’ll be sharing his passion for authentic Italian cooking using fresh ingredients. Join Tony in our demonstration marquee, located loch-side near SEA LIFE, to learn how to create delicious, authentic Italian dishes at home.

Chef DEMOS with Tony Alberti

Foraging Workshops

On Saturday 5th we have expert forager, Sharon Kerrigan, of Wander and Wonder, who will be leading small groups on her foraging workshops to explore wild foods available and share her extensive knowledge of what to pick and their edible and medicinal properties. Open to all ages, and FREE for under 13’s accompanied by at least 1 paying adult.
The Foraging workshops will take place on Saturday only – at 12pm and 1.30pm. Reserve your tickets in advance via the link below to book your place in Sharon’s small groups.

Foraging Workshops with Wander and Wonder

What to expect:

For those leaving the car at home, you can enjoy a beer or a glass of wine or prosecco in CafĆ© Zest, or on Jurassic Grill’s balcony, whilst you enjoy our incredible views, soak up the festival atmosphere, and tunes provided by Lomond Radio.

We’ll also have over 70 vendors filled with fresh produce, baked goods, gifts and much, much more as well as street food from across the world all weekend for you to enjoy. Tuck into gourmet delights such as wood-fired Steak & Fritz, chicken skewers, Scallops & garlic butter from KO:TE who are joining us for the first time! How about some Italian pasta and Antipasti from The Carb Club, or Greek Gyros from one of our regular favourites, Iā¤ļøGyros.

Plus loads more to choose from, all while picking up some gourmet food from a mix of local producers and several from around the UK to take home.

Street Food and Stalls

Festival goers bringing children along to the festival, can keep them entertained with Bluey and Elsa on Saturday from 1pm to 3pm, then bubble shows and stilt walking from 11am to 3pm Sunday.

On both days we’ll have children’s rides, the Loch Lomond Shores Express train and all the great things that Loch Lomond Shores offers – SEA LIFE, playpark, water sports and boat & bike hire, loch cruises & trips, Go Wild Loch Lomond aerial adventures, Adventure Golf and our beaches and woodland.

Audrey Calder from Loch Lomond Shores commented:
ā€œWe’re looking forward to hosting the festival and welcoming both old and new foodies to enjoy fantastic food, great free cooking demonstrations, a huge selection of vendors and more – all with amazing views!ā€

For full details of what’s on and when, keep an eye on our Social Media accounts for the latest updates.

Loch Lomond Comic Con 2026

Loch Lomond Comic Con 2026

BGCP Comic Con Loch Lomond 2026

LOCH LOMOND COMIC CON: THE SHORES TAKEOVER!

Get ready for the most scenic Comic Con in Scotland! BGCP is returning to Loch Lomond Shores for a massive two-day takeover on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th July!

Imagine your favourite heroes, incredible props, and a sea of geek culture, all set against the stunning backdrop of Loch Lomond. This is a full-scale takeover, and we’re bringing the best of pop culture to the Bonnie Banks!

What’s in Store:

  • Comic Con Hub: A huge variety of traders with comics, action figures, art, and rare collectables.
  • Heroic Meet & Greets: Grab your camera! Famous characters will be roaming the Shores all weekend.
  • Cosplay: From professional costumers to first-timers, everyone is welcome to suit up!
  • Family Fun: Interactive displays, props, and activities for fans of all ages.
  • Dog Friendly: Your four-legged sidekicks are more than welcome to join the adventure!

The Details:

When: Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th July
Where: Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Both days)
Entry: FREE! (on-site parking fees apply)

Check out the full schedule below for each day so you don’t miss your favourite characters!

Make a weekend of it!

Shop, eat, and geek out at one of the most unique event locations in the country. No tickets required—just bring your super-squad and enjoy the vibe! šŸ¦øā€ā™‚ļøšŸš¢

SATURDAY 18TH JULY - SCHEDULE

Saturday 18th July - Full Lineup

CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE

SUNDAY 19TH JULY - SCHEDULE

Sunday 19th July - Full Lineup

CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE

For full details of what’s on and when, keep an eye on our Social Media accounts for the latest updates.

WATER SAFETY OPEN DAY

WATER SAFETY OPEN DAY

Scottish Water, RoSPA, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, RNLI, The Darcey Sunshine Foundation, West Dumbartonshire Council, Police Scotland, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Scottish Canals

WATER SAFETY OPEN DAY 2026

Now in its fifth year, Water Safety Scotland is hosting the Water Safety Open Day on Saturday 25 July in support of World Drowning Prevention Day, an international day that aims to raise awareness of the public health issue of drowning and highlight means of drowning prevention.

Returning to Loch Lomond Shores, the event is supported by Scottish Water, RoSPA, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, RNLI, The Darcey Sunshine Foundation, West Dumbartonshire Council, Police Scotland, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Scottish Canals and Loch Lomond Shores.

With Loch Lomond attracting thousands of visitors every year, understanding how to stay safe in and around the water has never been more important. This informative and family-friendly event will feature expert advice, safety demonstrations, and practical tips to help keep you, your family, and your friends safe while enjoying our beautiful loch, rivers, canals, beaches, and waterways.

Whether you’re a swimmer, paddleboarder, kayaker, angler, sailor, or simply enjoy spending time by the water, there’s something valuable for everyone to learn.

Come along, meet the experts, ask questions of our many stallholders, and learn potentially life-saving skills while enjoying a great day out on the banks of Loch Lomond.

It will be an action-packed day with the whole family, featuring a variety of water and land activities (limited spaces which can be booked on the day), including:

šŸ• Newfoundland Rescue Dogs will be performing demonstrations in the water
🚤 Emergency rescue boat displays from the SFRS
šŸ„ā€ā™‚ļø Opportunities to learn and try canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding
🦺 Lifejacket and throwline challenges to practice important rescue skills
🫟 Facepainting
There are limited spaces for the water activities, which can be booked on the day. Don’t forget your swimming gear!

Come along to this dog-friendly, free event designed to help everyone safely enjoy lochs and waterways.

Details:
DATE: Saturday 25th July
TIME: 11am–3pm
LOCATION: Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch, G83 8QL

Learn more on the Water Safety Scotland Website

For full details of what’s on and when, keep an eye on our Social Media accounts for the latest updates.

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