West End Festival announces 2018 summer programme

Glasgow’s favourite festival, the West End Festival, has launched its 2018 programme, for the month-long event taking place between 31st May and 30th June!

Article Source: West End Festival
Last Updated: 25 April 2018 17:59

With over 100 organisations participating, 350 events in 75 venues across the length and breadth of the west end, West End Festival has a diverse range of events taking place, from gigs and ceilidhs to exhibitions and school literary workshops.

Now in its 23rd year, the festival’s umbrella model still sees event organisers and promoters submitting events from all kinds of interests and communities.

There will be a host of community gala days this year, with one specifically organised by WEF. The closure of Hyndland Street and use of Mansfield Park on 16th June, will allow a safe and friendly event to take place featuring a music stage, kids activities and street theatre. The local cafes and restaurants will be opening their doors to everyone and it’ll be an opportunity to enjoy such a popular area of the west end.

The ever-growing musical events listed are diverse - from jazz and dance to choirs and bands, not to forget Oran Mor’s annual All-Dayer.

Michael Dale, festival director, said: “For the first time, we’re excited to have the National Theatre for Scotland performing an outdoor show at the Children’s Wood. In addition, we have some international participants this year, a choir from Alabama and a string quartet from Sweden.

“We also have six ceilidhs, a new cinema at Maryhill Community Hall and Edinburgh Napier University will perform its play of the First World War.”

Once again Ashton Lane will close for a street party on 3rd June, The Big Sunday returns at Kelvingrove Park on 17th June and the talks and authors event programme continues to feature everything from architecture to wildlife and tombs to language.

A highlight event, an exciting new exhibition will take place at Mackintosh Queens Cross Church throughout the festival – “Museum of the Moon” by artist Luke Jerram. Measuring seven metres in diameter, the moon features detailed NASA imagery of the lunar surface. The internally lit sphere sculpture is at a scale of 1:500,000. There are also “Under the Moon” evening concerts.

Liz Scobie, chairman of the West End Festival commented: “What can I say? Another year of eclectic events which demonstrate the diverse culture represented in the west end.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has submitted events for this years’ festival, Sainsbury's for once again supporting us and Glasgow City Council for its ongoing support, as well as the many other volunteers and donors who support us year after year.”

The West End Festival is also looking for Board members and volunteers.

Ms Scobie added: “With changing times it’s important for us to keep new ideas coming to the table and indeed for us to represent the very communities and people who participate and come to the festival events.

“I’d be delighted to hear from anyone interested in having a chat. Please email me chairman@westendfestival.co.uk”

Fingers crossed for sun!