Glaswegian Festivals

At this time of year there’s always a lot of talk about the Edinburgh, where fun and frolics abound throughout August.

A little less common is talk about Glasgow's thriving festival scene, which is easily as varied and exciting as the Scottish capital's. From Celtic music and international comedy to visual art and Hogmanay, visitors to the city are sure to be entertained by any number of the events on offer.

Unlike the Edinburgh Fringe, Glasgow's festival calendar runs throughout the year, which means that tourists will be entranced and delighted no matter when they choose to stay. Below, we've reviewed one festival per calendar month, perfect for festival goers who plan to stay in Glasgow hostels when the fun kicks off, no matter the time of year.

July – Merchant City Festival
Presenting the cream of Glasgow’s street art, music, design, film, comedy, food and drink over a five day carnival, the Merchant City Festival ensures that the city centre is alive with entertainment. Literally no art form is excluded as the city’s artists, musicians and sportsmen come together for the extravaganza. http://www.merchantcityfestival.com/Pages/default.aspx

August – World Pipe Band Championships
The highly coveted World Pipe Band Championships attract international music talent from all over the globe. For one day only, Glasgow Green is invaded by thousands of pipers and drummers, cheered on by tens of thousands of spectators. Kilt wearing is not compulsory, although you wouldn’t know it at this patriotic event. http://www.theworlds.co.uk/pages/home.aspx

September – Doors Open Day

For one weekend a year only, this celebration of Scottish architecture throws open the doors to hundreds of fascinating buildings across Glasgow, which are usually closed to the public. Depending on where you go, you’ll be treated to animal magic, glorious food, storytelling events and walking tours. http://www.doorsopendays.org.uk/opendays/

October – Inspiration
The Inspiration Festival is something unique for children and young people to share their love for the arts and talk to like-minded youngsters. There is plenty to get involved in here, especially for families, and the fun includes performances, events and activities for under fives and primary school children. http://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/arts/inspiration/Pages/default.aspx

November – Glasgay!

Scotland’s annual celebration of gay culture has grown in the last decade from a fortnight gala attracting 3,000 people to a full month-long spectacular boasting more than 35,000 attendees. Glamming up the whole of Glasgow every year is no mean feat, but the festival features a professional programme spanning comedy, art, music, film, literature and more. http://www.glasgay.co.uk/

December – Glasgow’s Winter Festivals
Seasonal festivities get underway at the end of November and continue on all the way to the end of the year, with a fantastic range of celebrations from Glasgow Loves Hogmanay to Glasgow on Ice. Events take place in the Square, and include concerts, films, curling, cooking and all flavours of family fun. http://www.glasgowloveschristmas.com/Pages/default.aspx

January – Celtic Connections
The Celtic Connections festival started in 1994, and has gone from strength to strength ever since. Focusing on the roots of traditional Scottish music, it attracts talent from all over the world, with performers and artists flocking to the city to celebrate with talks, free events and late-night sessions. http://www.celticconnections.com/

February – The Glasgow Film Festival
An annual event which runs for a week every February, the Glasgow Film Festival proves that Scotland can more than match the glamour and sophistication of Hollywood. Having attracted the likes of James Earl Jones and Peter Mullan, this festival more than holds its own against others of its kind. http://www.glasgowfilm.org/festival/

March – Glasgow International Comedy Festival

Every year, for two weeks in March, Glasgow becomes the funniest city in the UK. Attracting top comedy talent including Jimmy Carr, Richard Herring and the city’s own legend Frankie Boyle, you won’t want to miss this if you like a chuckle. http://www.glasgowcomedyfestival.com/

April – Glasgow International Festival of Visual Art
GI – as it’s informally known – is an enormous celebration of visual art that captures the heart of the city for about two weeks every year. For its duration, Glasgow’s lively art scene is on display to the city, giving its residents and visitors the perfect opportunity to appreciate some of the best in contemporary art. http://www.glasgowinternational.org/

May – Southside Festival

For every weekend in May, dozens of events are showcased as part of the Southside Festival. Thousands turn out every year to enjoy live music, drama, showcases, visual art, poetry readings and other exciting events. Perhaps the best part is that anyone can put on an event, simply by visiting the website. http://southsidefestival.org.uk/

June – The West End Festival
Not for nothing has this spectacular gala been billed ‘The Scottish Mardi Gras’. It’s Glasgow’s biggest event in its festival calendar, occurring over 16 days of June, and it’s the largest carnival event in the UK after Notting Hill’s extravaganza in London.

Featuring comedy, drama, talks and sport, Glasgow’s West End festival is the jewel in the city’s festival crown, with the epicentre of the action just around the corner from Euro Hostel Glasgow. www.westendfestival.co.uk

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