From Ginger Day, to dress up days, to Autism Friendly sessions, there is something for everyone at the IRN BRU Carnival!
The IRN-BRU Carnival returns for another year of rides, thrills and memory making at the SEC this December and January.
Article Source: The IRN-BRU Carnival
Last Updated: 13 November 2023 12:22
With over 65 rides and attractions to see from 22 December, there is no shortage of fun to be had for children, families and adults at the annual event.
Having been a Glasgow institution for over 100-years, we’ve rounded up some of the top things for you to keep an eye out for at this year’s edition.
Christmas Jumper Day – 24 December
Those wearing their Christmas jumpers on Christmas Eve will be gifted an extra voucher to be used throughout the Carnival. Get ‘em on and treat yourself to an extra spin on the Waltzers or one of the other fantastic rides available – ‘tis the season for giving after all!
Meet your heroes - Wednesday 27th December & 7th January
On Wednesday 27 December and on 7 January 2024, children are invited to dress up as their favourite superhero, princess or villain for ‘theme day’.
Special guests from some family favourite films are also expected to swing by, and in the past have been known to put on performances for event goers – keep an eye on IRN-BRU Carnival’s social media for more information coming soon!
Ginger Day – 12th January
We all love a ginger and to show our appreciate to our fiery headed pals, we are celebrating them on 12th January by offering a free voucher to one the 65+ stalls and rides, simply by turning up and being ginger.
We love ginger of all shades and sizes, so be it dyed, a wig, or au naturale, come along and celebrate the mighty gingers!
Autism Friendly Sessions – 31st December (11-2pm) & 9th January (4 – 9pm)
It’s important that everyone gets a chance to enjoy Glasgow’s greatest festive tradition, so the IRN-BRU Autism Friendly Sessions are back to allow those with autism or sensory processing difficulties a chance to enjoy the rides in an environment with reduced sound and light, and with smaller crowds and queues.
During the Autism Friendly sessions, the main hall lights will be on, music will be turned off or very low, and the rides will be slower where possible (although the ride lights will still be on).
Sensory packs are available. Quiet areas will be open throughout the full Carnival run for anyone who needs them.
Seek thrills on new rides
The Carnival is bursting with stalls this year, with rides for everyone from toddlers to teenagers, and big kids of course.
Screams are expected to be heard far and wide as those a little older take to Glasgow’s skies on The Extreme Ice Blast outside of the iconic SEC venue, as well as getting twisted upside down and all around on the brand-new indoor ride, Super Trooper. Those looking for a jump scare will be welcome to explore the Hotel of Terror, an immersive and creepy walk-through experience, sure to be a hit at this year’s event.
For the younger children, check out Mini Miami, a mini version of the popular “Miami Wave” rides. Youngsters can get the chance to experience the thrills of the heart dropping sky to floor feeling with the rest of the family.
Musical performances
IRN-BRU Carnival are also supporting local buskers and musical talent throughout, with a number of amazing performances, from the opening day where guests can expect a traditional Scottish bag piper, to DJ’s and some of Scotland’s rising starts from Sauchiehall Street superstar, Maria McAveety, to the sultry sounds of local boy, Matthew Gibb.
Win exclusive prizes
The Treasure Hunt is back almost every single day of the run this year. Kids under 12 will once again be invited to take part in the Treasure Hunt, gathering letters around the Carnival to attempt to unjumble the word and win a certificate.
Those over the age of 12 and a height of 1.4m can enter the Carnival Ride Challenge. For each ride in the challenge, the guest will get a stamp. Once they have collected ten stamps, they can send in a photo of the completed ride challenge to be entered into a prize draw to win a Phenomenal Ticket for next year, giving visitors four free entries every day that the Carnival is on from December 2024 – worth over £1,600!
Make new memories
The Carnival has been a firm-favourite in the city for over 100 years and this year is set to be no different. Families are invited to make new memories and enjoy the spoils of the festive tradition together at the SEC.
With delicious food, lively music, and plenty of fun activities to explore, there is no better time to head down to the IRN-BRU Carnival with all the family and enjoy the festive period.
The IRN-BRU Carnival kicks off on Friday 22 December 2023 (closed Christmas Day) and will be open until Sunday 14 January 2024. Standard entry tickets are available from £18.50 with discounts available for groups, concessions and Young Scot card holders, and kids under three go free.
Tickets are available online now at www.irn-bru-carnival.com
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
Name the Loganair Christmas puffin and win a family adventure
Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, has launched a new festive competition to name the puffin starring in its emotional Christmas advert.
READ MORE
Festive fun on the farm at the National Museum of Rural Life
Celebrate the season with festive fun for the whole family at the National Museum of Rural Life.
READ MORE
Braehead celebrates bright young business stars this Christmas
Scotland's premier retail destination, Braehead Shopping Centre, today announce that this Christmas they will again welcome the Young Enterprise Christmas Trade Fayre.
READ MORE
Breakout Scots star urges young people to discover new artists IRL at Celtic Connections coffee pop ups
Katie Gregson-MacLeod is urging young Glaswegians to discover new music IRL as Celtic Connections brings free pop-up gigs to Patricia's x SLB, Through The House and Black Pine this Saturday.
READ MORE
Loch Lomond Shores Christmas Festival is a Christmas cracker this year!
A family rollercoaster, giant snow globe, rides, stalls, street food and live entertainment makes Loch Lomond Shores FREE Christmas festival the perfect Christmas day out for all the family!
READ MORE
Calum Bowie gives Barrowland call up to 2 rising stars for landmark 5th December show
Calum Bowie has invited two fresh local talents to support him at his upcoming landmark show in December at The Barrowlands!
READ MORE
Partick Film Festival returns in January with special anniversary screening of Rob Roy
Partick Film Festival returns in January with a range of events including a special 30th anniversary screening of Rob Roy, followed by a Q&A with the director Michael Caton-Jones.
READ MORE
Somewhere by Nico Launches Festive Cocktail Experience
This festive season, Glasgow and Edinburgh relevellers can relive the magic of Christmas past as Somewhere by Nico unveil a brand-new immersive experience!
READ MORE
Beatson Cancer Charity Ambassadog Baxter leads the way at Santa Dash 2025
Beatson Cancer Charity is thrilled to announce that our Ambassadog, Baxter, will be taking part in this year's Santa Dash on Sunday 7th December!
READ MORE
Zizzi celebrates a fresh era with a new menu and app, by giving 132 people free pasta for one year
Zizzi has introduced a new food & drink menu across all its restaurants, launched a brand-new Zizzi app, and is giving 132 people free pasta for one year.
READ MORE
Festive Season at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched some new offerings designed for memorable Christmas stays, spectacular Hogmanay celebrations, and cozy winter escapes.
READ MORE
From The Gannet to Eleven Fifty Five: Peter McKenna announces new Argyle Street restaurant
Peter McKenna, chef-owner of The Gannet in Glasgow, along with Kevin Dow, are set to open a new restaurant, Eleven Fifty Five, in its place in Finnieston early next year.
READ MORE
Glasgow Fort to welcome new Mexican restaurant this week
Mezcal, the lively Mexican street-food restaurant, is set to open its doors at Glasgow Fort on Wednesday 26th November, bringing even more choice for visitors ahead of the festive period.
READ MORE
Second year of Urban Forestry Programme opens across Scotland
Community groups, organisations and schools across Scotland are being invited to apply for grants of up to £100,000.
READ MORE
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time returns to Glasgow in March 2027
A brand-new staging of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time based on the internationally celebrated novel comes to Glasgow's Theatre Royal in March 2027!
READ MORE
MINISO is coming to Buchanan Street... get ready to explore!
Global lifestyle sensation MINISO is set to bring its signature blend of joy, creativity, and affordable design to Buchanan Street, with a brand-new store opening on 26th November!
READ MORE
Black Friday Savings at Buchanan Galleries
Buchanan Galleries in Glasgow is abuzz with Black Friday deals, offering shoppers incredible discounts across a wide range of products – from fashion and footwear to jewellery, beauty, and homeware.
READ MORE
The Maclean Brothers row onto Celtic Connections bill as new wave of shows announced
The Maclean Brothers are among a wave of exciting new names to join the world-renowned Celtic Connections bill, it has been announced.
READ MORE
BBC CBeebies starts the panto season at Glasgow cinemas
The CBeebies panto Cinderella is coming to the big screen in Glasgow from Friday 21st November.
READ MORE
The Pavilion Theatre is taking part in the largest Black Friday Theatre Sale in the UK
As part of Trafalgar Entertainment, customers can now access some of the best theatre ticket deals for shows at the Pavilion Theatre as well as unmissable productions in the West End.
READ MORE
BBC ALBA Hogmanay Ceilidh to broadcast live from Glasgow
BBC ALBA will bring together some of Gaelic music's biggest names as Cèilidh na Bliadhn' Ùire returns to Glasgow to celebrate Hogmanay and usher in 2026.
READ MORE
Cast Announced for Flora, a new musical coming to The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow
The full cast has been revealed for Flora which sees one of Scotland's most famous daughters, Flora MacDonald, take centre stage to tell her own tale!
READ MORE
Christmas in Edinburgh and Glasgow: Celebrate the festive season with Candlelight Concerts
Featuring classic Christmas carols, this live, multi-sensory musical experience will light up St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral and Merchants House and The Trades Hall for an unforgettable evening.
READ MORE
Innis & Gunn to open the biggest festive beer hall in Glasgow at Winter Wonderland on The Green
Glasgow is getting its largest-ever Christmas beer hall, and it’s all down to award-winning brewer Innis & Gunn.
READ MORE
Find a festive backdrop in Glasgow and the West
From frosty gardens to cosy tearooms, National Trust for Scotland places in Glasgow and the West are offering a host of winter experiences and special events this festive season.
READ MORE
Glaswegians invited to Panto Town as Glasgow 850 finishes with festive flourish
Glaswegians are being urged to embrace the unique spirit of the city's pantomimes with the launch of Get You in Panto Town!
READ MORE
Buchanan Galleries celebrates the season of giving with festive family fun
The magic of Christmas has arrived at Buchanan Galleries, with a heartwarming line-up of festive activities taking place throughout November and December.
READ MORE
Scottish Ballet creates a brand new wee version of the big ballet
Scottish Ballet's Wee Nutcracker is coming to Glasgow's Tramway this December. The beloved festive ballet, The Nutcracker, has been specially adapted for wee ones aged 5+ and their families!
READ MORE
The Wizard Wae The Big Bawz: New adult panto brings comedy to Scotland in January
January needn't be a drag as Scotland's brand-new adult panto, The Wizard Wae The Big Bawz, hits the road, arriving just when the country needs a burst of joy!
READ MORE
Matthew Kelly and George Costigan lead new production of Waiting for Godot at the Citz
Matthew Kelly and George Costigan star as Estragon and Vladimir in a new production of Waiting for Godot, co-produced with Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse and Octagon Theatre Bolton.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links