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
Win your way to the IRN BRU Carnival
The Duck Hunt is back bigger and better with over 150 ducks hidden across Glasgow and beyond!
READ MORE
New film on resistance to Home Office raid on Kenmure Street to be released next year
Scottish distributor Conic has acquired all UK and Ireland rights for Everybody to Kenmure Street, a new documentary about Glasgow's community resistance to a Home Office raid in 2021.
READ MORE
Sean Batty joins Glasgow businesses to champion choose local at Christmas cry
STV presenter visits Glasgow West End's Business Improvement District to highlight the vital role that local people can play in the the final festive push.
READ MORE
Everyman presents Nationwide preview screenings of Sentimental Value
See the highly anticipated new comedy drama before anyone else, with preview screenings at Everyman cinemas nationwide.
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Book Festival and Celtic Connections unveil major new partnership
Edinburgh International Book Festival and Celtic Connections unveil major new partnership bringing together Scotland's most celebrated writers and musicians!
READ MORE
Beatson Cancer Charity announces amazing total for Glasgow Santa Dash 2025
Beatson Cancer Charity is thrilled to announce that the Glasgow Santa Dash 2025 has raised more than £100,000 to support people affected by cancer across the west of Scotland.
READ MORE
University of Glasgow launches first Virtual Reality kiosk for Museums in the Metaverse
Imagine visiting a museum and being transported inside the glass cases, to virtually examine artefacts at astonishing proximity and from every possible angle. This is now reality.
READ MORE
Jock and the Beanstalk panto stars support Social Bite Festival of Kindness
Pavilion Panto stars headed to Social Bite's Festival of Kindness on Vinicombe Street to encourage Glaswegians to donate gifts and funds to support people experiencing homelessness this winter.
READ MORE
DF Concerts & Events celebrates a year of sustainable and inclusive events
DF Concerts & Events is celebrating the success of their sustainability initiatives delivered across their major summer events in 2025.
READ MORE
Full casting announced for Scottish premiere of Single White Female at the Theatre Royal Glasgow
Full casting has been announced as rehearsals begin for the Scottish premiere of Single White Female coming to the Theatre Royal Glasgow in June!
READ MORE
Celebrate the New Year with a sparkling experience at The Ivy Glasgow
With toasts to celebrate the new year breaking around the world, the experience is not to be missed!
READ MORE
A sweet partnership bringing locally produced, sustainable ice cream to the SEC in time for a packed winter events season
Equi’s Ice Cream, the award-winning Scottish, family-run ice cream maker, is announcing a major new partnership as the official ice cream supplier of the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) in Glasgow.
READ MORE
Teenage Cancer Trust units in Glasgow receive festive surprise from Aldi
Young people receiving cancer treatment in Glasgow have been treated to a surprise delivery of festive goodies from Aldi, helping them celebrate the holiday season away from home.
READ MORE
Step into Christmas at Dalmeny Park with special festive menus and afternoon teas this December
Dalmeny Park is pulling out all the stops to make this festive season truly magical, unveiling its 2025 festive dining menus and afternoon teas available until 23rd December.
READ MORE
Big Fat Bingo of The Year shows announced
Christmas is coming in fast, and hot on its heels is the surreal, off-kilter period between Xmas and NYE... Bongo's Bingo have got just the tonic to help see out the final days of 2025!
READ MORE
Scottish jazz talent in tune as award winners unveiled
The Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 celebrated the cream of the crop in the jazz scene on Sunday night, honouring outstanding artists and contributors at a memorable ceremony in Glasgow.
READ MORE
Anna Campbell Jones launches small batch Scottish botanical rum distilled in Glasgow
Interior designer, BBC Scotland's Home of the Year judge and entrepreneur Anna Campbell-Jones has released her first spirit.
READ MORE
Best burger in Scotland is now available in Glasgow for Christmas
Glasgow's Winter Wonderland gives visitors a taste of the festive season with foodie highlights including Scotland's best burger!
READ MORE
Award winning Rickshaw & Co launches its festive menu in Glasgow
Rickshaw & Co has launched its festive menu, bringing bold Indian and Bangladeshi flavours to December in Partick.
READ MORE
From plate to print: Kirsty Wark celebrates artistic legacy of great aunt
Glasgow Print Studio is thrilled to announce the release of a new limited-edition print by journalist, TV presenter and writer Kirsty Wark as part of their Call & Response series.
READ MORE
The festive knockout you can not miss at Oran Mor!
This December, Glasgow's Oran Mor premieres Morag Fullarton's new theatre production, 'It's a Wonderful Life... Mostly'.
READ MORE
10p pizzas from Civerinos as Deliveroo marks 10th Scottish anniversary
Raise a dram to a decade of Deliveroo: Civerinos and Deliveroo launch 10p pizzas to celebrate 10 years of feeding the people of Scotland.
READ MORE
Glasgow Fort serves up a slice of Home Alone magic with year long cheese pizza competition
Glasgow Fort has teamed up with Leopardo Pizza to launch a Home Alone-inspired competition, giving shoppers the chance to win a year's supply of Kevin McCallister’s favourite cheese pizza.
READ MORE
Lidl launching free gift wrapping stations across the UK
Lidl has unveiled its first-ever ‘Lidl Wrapped’ - a celebration of some of the nation's favourite buys, brought to life as limited-edition Christmas wrapping paper
READ MORE
Glasgow Fort joins forces with local charities to support people who feel lonely at Christmas
Glasgow Fort has teamed up with local charities to help raise awareness of the support they can provide to people of all ages experiencing feelings of loneliness and isolation at Christmas.
READ MORE
The Tron Theatre announced new season for 2026
Tron Theatre is delighted to announce its brand-new season of work for Spring/Summer 2026.
READ MORE
This weekend Glasgow shoppers can win the ultimate Glasgow Christmas gift
This Sunday visitors to VEGA's Christmas Market have the chance to “unwrap the city” and win the ultimate Glasgow Christmas gift worth over £1,000!
READ MORE
Buchanan Galleries welcomes two new stores for the festive season
City centre shopping destination Buchanan Galleries has expanded its retail line-up this December with the arrival of two new stores, offering visitors even more choice in the run-up to Christmas.
READ MORE
Glasgow Film Festival supports 50 next generation filmmakers across three star studded talent labs
Lab mentors and partners include Oscar-winning and nominated directors, leading animation studios, and executives from Netflix, BFI, Aardman, and Curzon.
READ MORE
Caledonia Gladiators launches most exclusive seat in Scottish sport in aid of GCH Charity
Scotland's basketball franchise Caledonia Gladiators has launched a unique new VIP experience – thought to be the most exclusive sporting seat in the country – in aid of charity.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links