Govanhill International Festival and Carnival
The Govanhill International Festival and Carnival 2025 returns for its 9th year, celebrating creativity, solidarity, and liberation, from Friday 1st August to Sunday 10th August!
About Govanhill International Festival and Carnival
Organised by Govanhill Baths Community Trust, this year’s festival unfolds as the Baths undergo major renovation, transforming into a Wellbeing Centre shaped by over two decades of community action.
In Govanhill, wellbeing isn’t handed down — it’s built together. From the 2001 occupation to today, the fight for space, dignity and care has never been separated from creativity.
GIFC is a celebration of that spirit. A gathering of artists, organisers, neighbours old and new — not as audiences, but as collaborators. It’s where civic life and artistic life meet. Where anti-racism isn’t a theme, but a practice for the everyday.
Festival Highlights
Parade & Carnival 2025 — A joyful procession of samba bands, lion dancers, street drums and handmade banners (plus a unicorn!) winding through the streets to Govanhill Park.
Govanhill Street Music Festival — The Govanhill International Carnival Parade returns on Saturday 2 August, and you’re invited to walk, dance, play and move alongside your neighbours in a powerful, joyful display of community solidarity. Beginning at Queen’s Park and winding its way to Govanhill Park, the parade transforms our streets into a stage for collective pride, shared rhythm and radical togetherness.
This year’s procession brings together an extraordinary cast of local and international collaborators – from the thunderous drums of Bloco Dardara and the vibrant moves of Latino Dance Project, to artists, activists and community members co-creating something greater than the sum of its parts. A grassroots takeover featuring tropical rhythms, punk folk, sound systems, spoken word and experimental noise sharing the same pavements.
Govanhill Book Festival — The ever-popular Govanhill Book Festival will return to Queen’s Park Govanhill Parish Church. Opening with Nicola Sturgeon in conversation with Book Festival Director Jim Monaghan, A packed second day hosts talks from poets, performers, theathre maker and artists, culminating in a showcase of exciting contemporary Palestinian voices from Gaza, Galilee and New York.
Palestine Arts Delegation — A powerful celebration of Palestinian culture featuring dance, performance, poetry, traditional music, and underground DJ sets, a discussion on textile industry resistance. These events connect Palestinian craft traditions to contemporary artistic resistance and liberation.
Irish Roots — Working-class migration histories come alive through The Derry Boat to Donegal Hill Heritage Trail, writer talks, and traditional singing circles. Experience Irish language and culture through intimate taster sessions and community events.
Gaelic Heritage — Celebrate Gaelic traditions through children’s language sessions and inspiring talks with Gaelic authors.
Where possible we will update our listings to notify of cancelled, postponed and rescheduled events, however we STRONGLY ADVISE that you check with the venue/organiser in the first instance for updates.
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