Glasgow Festivals
Glasgow hosts a variety of festivals ranging from film and art to comedy and music. And the best thing about them is that they are spread throughout the year. As a result, you will probably be able to catch at least one no matter when you decide to visit the Scotland’s largest city.
Some of the most notable Glasgow festivals include:
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The Celtic Connections. This annual festival has been held since 1994. Its visitors can enjoy several hundred events ranging from concerts and various workshops to late night sessions and more. The focus is on the traditional Scottish music although the festival also features international musicians. The main events are hosted by the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.
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The West End Festival. This annual festival was started as a small locally-based event in the mid-1990s. However, it soon established itself as one of the most visited Glasgow festivals, attracting thousands of visitors with its highly varied programme – live music, film, theatre, children’s activities, comedy and much, much more. In addition to its rich programme, the West End Festival is also known for its Carnival Parade which is the second largest carnival in Britain after the Nothing Hill Carnival.
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The Glasgow International Jazz Festival. One of the largest and most visited jazz festivals is also one of the longest running Glasgow festivals. It has been held annually since the late 1980s. It is traditionally held in June.
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The World Pipe Band Championships. One of the oldest Glasgow festival has been held since 1930. It is an annual wind pipe competition among several thousand musicians contesting the World Pipe Band Champion title. The World Pipe Band Championships is traditionally held in August.
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The Merchant City Festival. Another prominent Glasgow festival is visited by over 50,000 people each year. The festival that is held at the Merchant City district is renowned for presenting the best of Scotland’s music, theatre, film, visual arts, dance and comedy.
Other festivals worth visiting:
Depending on when you plan to visit the city of Glasgow, you may also be able to catch some of the following festivals: the Glasgow Film Festival (February), the Glasgow International Comedy Festival (March), the Glasgow Art Fair (April), the Southside Festival (May), the Glasgow Science Festival (June), the Glasgow’s Cabaret Festival (July) and Inspiration (October).