Glasgow's reputation as 'The Friendly City' is reflected in a wide range of
arts festivals covering all of the art forms, and in an extensive programme
of cultural and sporting events. The arts festival programme runs throughout
the year starting with Celtic Connections' in January which is attended by over
100,000 people. Other music festivals include Glasgow International Jazz
Festival, Big World Music Festival and Triptych. Some other major international
festivals include Glasgow International Festival of Contemporary Art and the
New Territories Dance Festival.
Summer events include the West End Festival, Shakespeare in the Botanic
Gardens, the World Pipe Band Championships and the Great Scottish Run.
Since its beginnings in 1993, this festival has become a premier showcase for
music and culture, featuring artists from the Celtic heartlands of Canada, USA,
France and Spain - as well as Scotland. In 2006, Celtic Connections takes place
between 11th and 29th January.
Phone: 0141 353 8000
E-mail: arts@grch.com
Website: http://www.celticconnections.com
Annual festival of contemporary dance and live art presented by New Moves
International. Tramway and other venues.
Phone: 0141 357 5538
E-mail: admin@newmoves.co.uk
Website: http://www.newmoves.co.uk
Launched in 2003, this hugely successful festival takes place in a variety of venues throughout the city. Previous stars have included Jerry Sadowitz, Fred MacAulay, Jack Dee, Paul Merton and the US comedy legend, Joan Rivers. Website: http://www.glasgowcomedyfestival.com
The inaugural year of this festival which aims to showcase Contemporary Visual
Art in public venues and artist-run spaces throughout the city. 2005 featured
work by Steven Campbell, Jake and Dinos Chapman, Douglas Gordon and Barabara
Kruger.
E-mail: info@glasgowinternational.org
Website: http://www.glasgowinternational.org
Music Festival embracing genres as diverse as Indie, Jazz, Neo-Classical,
Reggae and Dance.
E-mail: info@betterdays.co.uk
Website: http://www.triptychfestival.com
Annual festival of Americana music which showcases emerging talent alongside
established names. 2005 featured artists such as Steve Forbert, Eliza Gilkyson,
The Resentments, Jimmy Webb, Jesse Dayton and Vic Chestnutt.
Phone: 0141 221 0359
E-mail: info@soundsfine.co.uk
Free day of music, dance and family entertainment which is centred on Glasgow
Green and usually takes place during the first weekend in May. Includes the
traditional May Day Rally and Parade.
Phone: 0141 302 2845
Having started off as a small local festival centred around Byres Road, this
has now grown over the past 9 years to become the biggest cultural event in
Glasgow's calendar. The very popular street party is on 12th June and features
stages, stalls, buskers and food.
Phone: 0141 341 0844
E-mail: westend.festival@virgin.net
Website: http://www.westendfestival.co.uk
This year's parade on the 18th June celebrated the 400th anniversary of the
creation of the Trades House of Glasgow and the theme was the life and times of
the year 1605.
Phone: 0141 302 2845 (Glasgow City Council events)
Now in its 5th year and based in Sighthill, this festival was set up to promote
integration and harmony by celebrating cultural diversity within the local
community. A family-orientated day, usually at the beginning of June, with a
children's tent and stage, sports arena and children's rides as well as music,
dance and food from all around the world.
For more information please contact:
Phone: 0141 532 4101
E-mail: susan.cuthbert@strathclyde.pnn.police.uk
This year's highlights included performances by Dionne Warwick, Georgie Fame,
Courtney Pine and Kyle Eastwood.
Phone: 0141 552 3552
E-mail: glasgow@jazzfest.co.uk
Website: http://www.jazzfest.co.uk
Feast of popular classical music at the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow. This
year's concerts feature music from the movies and musicals, Dvorak and
Tchaikoksky. Not forgetting the last night of the Proms, featuring violinist
Nicola Benedetti.
Website: http://www.rsno.org.uk
The Mela (meaning 'gathering' in Sanskrit) is organised by the Scottish Academy
of Asian Arts and is the highest profile multicultural music and dance festival
in the West of Scotland.
Phone: 0141 423 2210
E-mail: info@saaa.org.uk
Website: http://www.saaa.org.uk
This event has been held in Glasgow since 1986 and in 2004 attracted over 8,000
musicians from all over the world.
Phone: 0141 302 2845 (Glasgow City Council events)
Each year Glasgow plays host to one of the largest road races in the UK -
participants can choose between the half marathon or 10k. The race will take
runners past some of the city's most famous attractions and will again feature
the hugely popular run over the Kingston Bridge, before finishing in Glasgow
Green. Run Glasgow Web site has information about where the race takes place
and how to enter.
Phone: 0141 302 2845 (Glasgow City Council Events)
Website: http://www.runglasgow.org
A unique chance for the public to visit some of Glasgow's most interesting
buildings over one weekend in September. Organised by Glasgow Building
Preservation Trust.
Phone: 0141 221 6061
E-mail: info@gbpt.org
Website: http://www.gbpt.org
The Merchant City Festival presents a programme of film, theatre, comedy,
visual arts, street theatre, live music, food and fashion - all taking place
amidst the architectural elegance of the Merchant City.
Phone: 0141 552 6027
e-mail: info@merchantcityfestival.com
Website: http://www.merchantcityfestival.com
Glasgow's annual festival of World Music. Last year's line up included Miriam
Makeba, Angelique Kidjo, Mory Kante, Louis Mhlanga and Musafir.
Phone: 0141 221 0359
E-mail: info@soundsfine.co.uk
Scotlands annual celebration of queer culture with events spanning comedy,
film, visual art, performance and community arts projects.
Phone: 0141 334 7126
E-mail: info@glasgay.co.uk
Website: http://www.glasgay.co.uk
This annual festival of the arts for children and young people is now in its
8th year. Family days, performances, workshops, events and activities for pre-5s
and schoolchildren as well as a special Youthfest programme for young people
aged 16-20.
Monday 31st October - Friday 11th November, 2005
For more information contact Maggie Singleton, Arts Development Officer,
Children and Young People.
Phone: 0141 287 9843
E-mail: maggie.singleton@cls.glasgow.gov.uk
This annual fireworks spectacular on Glasgow Green in early November, with funfairs and family activities, marks the beginning of the festive season.
Skate or spectate at the outdoor ice rink in George Square from late November
until Christmas Eve.
Phone: 0141 302 2845 (Glasgow City Council events)
The world's friendliest Hogmanay party takes place in George Square and
features top bands, DJs and fireworks.
Phone: 0141 302 2845 (Glasgow City Council events)
Close to SECC
A comfortable night at a good price within walking distance of the SECC. Lovely scrambled egg made to order
K Welch