A Glasgow Year

Glasgow’s reputations 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 Championship and the Great Scottish Run.

January

Celtic Connection - Since its beginnings in 1993, the festival has become a premier showcase for music and culture, featuring arts from the Celtic heartlands of Canada, USA, France and Spain – as well as Scotland.

February / March

New Territories - Annual festival of contemporary dance and live art, presented by New Moves International. Tramway and other venues.

Miller Glasgow International Comedy Festivals – Launched in 2003, the hugely successful festival takes place in a variety of venues throughout the city. Stars in previous years included Jerry Sadowitz, Fred MacAulay, Jack Dee, Paul Merton and US comedy legend, Joan Rivers.

April

Glasgow International – The inaugural year of the festival which aims to showcase Contemporary Visual Art in public venues and artist-run space throughout the city. Previous years include work by Steven Campbell, Jake and Dinos Chapman, Douglas Gordon and Barbara Kruger.

Glasgow art Fair – This event has firmly established itself as the place to view, but and sell in Glasgow.

Triptych – Music Festival embracing genres as diverse as Indie, Jazz, Neo-Classical. Reggae and Dance.

May / June

Big Big Country – Annual Festival of American music, which showcases emerging talent alongside established names. Previous artists have includes Steve Forbert, Eliza Gilkyson, The Resentments, Jimmy Webb, Jesse Dayton and Vic Chesnutt.

Maydaze – 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.

West End Festival – Having started off as a small local festival centre around Byres Road, this has now grown over the past 9 years to come the biggest cultural event in Glasgow’s calendar. The very popular street party is on 12th June and features stages, stalls, buskers and food.

Lord Provost’s Pageant – 2006 Celebrates the 400th anniversary of the creation of the Trades House of Glasgow. The theme, life and time of the year 1605.

North Glasgow International Festivals – Bases in Sighthill, the festival was up to promote integration and harmony by celebrating culture 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.

RSNO Scottish Power Proms – 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.

Glasgow Mela – The Mela (meaning “Gathering” in Sanskirt) is organised by the Scottish Academy of Asian Arts and is the highest profile multicultural music and dance festival in the west of Scotland.

August

World Pipe Band Championships – This event has been held in Glasgow since 1986 and in 2004 attracted over the world.

September

Great Scottish Run - 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.

Doors Open Day - A unique chance for the public to visit some of Glasgow's most interesting buildings over one weekend in September. Organized by Glasgow Building Preservation Trust.

Merchant City Festivals - The Merchant City Festival presents a program of film, theatre, comedy, visual arts, street theatre, live music, food and fashion - all taking place amidst the architectural elegance of the Merchant City.

October / November

Big Big World - Glasgow's annual festival of World Music. Recent years line up included Miriam Makeba, Angelique Kidjo, Mory Kante, Louis Mhlanga and Musafir.

Glasgay! - Scotland’s annual celebration of queer culture with events spanning comedy, film, visual art, performance and community arts projects.

Inspiration - This annual festival of the arts for children and young people. Family days, performances, workshops, events and activities for pre-5’s and schoolchildren as well as a special Youth-fest program for young people aged 16-20.

Glasgow Fireworks - This annual fireworks spectacular on Glasgow Green in early November, with funfairs and family activities, marks the beginning of the festive season.

December

Glasgow on Ice - Skate or spectate at the outdoor ice rink in George Square from late November until Christmas Eve.

Hogmanay Glasgow - The world's friendliest Hogmanay party takes place in George Square and features top bands, DJs and fireworks.