Glasgow 850: Citizens Invited to Unleash Their Inner Poet and Join the Great Big Glasgow Poem!
Glasgow's 850th birthday celebrations have taken on a poetic twist with the launch of the Great Big Glasgow Poem, encouraging every Glaswegian to contribute a line to a collective masterpiece!
Article Source: Glasgow 850
Last Updated: 28 March 2025 12:46
Led by the Poet Laureate, Jim Carruth, and supported by the Lord Provost of Glasgow, this springtime project is all about capturing the diverse voices within the city. Allowing people to add a line, in their own words, about what Glasgow means to them.
Each contribution in the ode to the city will start with "My Glasgow is…" and can be submitted in any language, along with a translation. The poem, which will be available to view online, ensuring everyone's inclusion, will evolve throughout the year, reflecting the thoughts of those who call Glasgow home.
Jim Carruth, as the city’s poet laureate for the past 10 years and an ambassador for the city's poetry community, said: “This project is a fantastic opportunity for everyone in Glasgow to share their unique perspective on what makes our city special. Whether you're a lifelong resident or a newcomer, your voice matters, and we want to hear it.”
Jim will be collating submissions and adding his own line at the end of the year, to complete the project.
The Lord Provost of Glasgow, Jacqueline McLaren, added: “Glasgow is a city of stories, and this poem will be a record of our collective views, experiences and aspirations. I encourage everyone to embrace their inner poet and add their own heartfelt line to our ode to Glasgow.”
Her submission reads; ‘My Glasgow is a city of unity and compassion, where kindness and support are woven into the fabric of everyday life.’
The project was also launched with contributions from former Lord Provost Alex Mosson (85) and five-year-old Amani Elfadil from St Mungo's Primary School.
Taking inspiration from a recent visit to the University of Glasgow’s Huntarian Art Gallery and one painting in particular - John Duncan Fergusson’s vibrant ‘Spring in Glasgow’, that portrays the city’s energy and renewal during the season, they came up with the following lines:
Alex Mosson’s line reads, ‘My Glasgow is a place to flourish and flourish it does.’
Amani’s line reads, ‘My Glasgow is where I am safe with my family, I love that it has fun places like soft play and Glasgow Green.’
People can submit their own line to the Great Big Glasgow Poem by visiting glasgow850.com/poem and completing the form.
Support is also available from your local library to take part.
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