Thousands of school children get taste for Glasgow 850 celebrations
Glasgow children are getting behind their city’s 850th birthday celebrations as a week-long Glasgow 850 Schools' Festival gets underway at primary schools across the city.
Article Source: Glasgow 850
Last Updated: 29 April 2025 13:01
Image: Pupils from Tinto Primary School. Credit: Martin Shields.
Every primary pupil in Glasgow is set to receive a collection of souvenir Glasgow 850 badges and a special Glasgow 850 themed school lunch will be served up, all to honour the city’s famous coat of arms and commemorate 850 years since Glasgow became a Burgh of the Barony in 1175.
As part of the primary school’s festival, a special 850 menu taking inspiration from the city’s coat of arms: the bell, fish, tree and bird, will be available to try. The menu will feature roast chicken and halal roast chicken to represent the bird that never flew, breaded fish for the fish that never swam, stuffed bell peppers for the bell that never rang, and steamed broccoli to illustrate the tree that never grew, as a fun way to engage children in the story of St Mungo and Glasgow’s origins.
This week specially designed pink birthday badges adorned with icons from the city’s Coat of Arms, alongside other symbols that represent Glasgow themes, landmarks and institutions, will also be handed out to more than 40,000 primary school children.
The badges have ten different designs which symbolise the city’s achievements and sources of pride including the Barrowland Star, the Finnieston Crane and the Duke of Wellington’s cone, with a Glaschu version for Gaelic school pupils.
The Schools’ Festival is one part of a wider, extensive programme of engagement across nurseries, primary and secondary schools that has been planned throughout the year, to inspire the city’s young people to think about Glasgow’s past, present and future and the role they can play in this over the next 50 years.
Children will receive access to their own Glasgow 850 digital keepsake learning booklet, which updates each month with interactive activities and lessons inspired by the city’s rich heritage and inspiring potential, while live lessons will bring teachers and pupil citywide together to explore the milestone together.
There will be representation of Glasgow 850 across the annual Physical Education Physical Activity and School of Sport (PEPASS) programme of events, showcasing future Glasgow sporting talent and keeping the city’s young people active. The Young Ambassadors Conference in August will see 250 young people come together to celebrate and learn new skills in sporting leadership.
Glasgow CREATE (Creativity and Expressive Arts Transforming Education) is also inviting all primary schools to participate in an extraordinary project to record a special Glasgow 850 song titled It’s Our Home, Glasgow. This ambitious citywide celebration will bring together 142 primaries in Glasgow in a shared expression of pride, culture and unity, with teaching videos, lyrics and audio backing track packs to guide teachers and pupils through learning the song.
The breadth of opportunities will ensure all children regardless of their interests and passions will find a way to connect with the Glasgow 850 celebrations.
Councillor Christina Cannon, City Convener for Education & Early Years said: “Our children and young people are the future of Glasgow, and the 850 Education Programme is an opportunity to engage and inspire the next generation and celebrate this landmark year with our youngest citizens. From a themed menu to bespoke interactive lessons, we are giving pupils the chance to engage with the history of our vibrant city and think about the possibilities for its future, sparking creativity, curiosity and civic pride. Parent councils are also leading the way, bringing creative Glasgow 850 twists to school events and inspiring school communities to share in the celebrations. Glasgow’s 850th birthday is a milestone that belongs to everyone, and we hope to see families and pupils alike embrace the birthday celebrations. I know that our children will be wearing their commemorative badges with pride and holding onto them for many years to come.”
Everyone has the opportunity to get involved in Glasgow’s 850th birthday celebrations. For more information visit glasgow850.com
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
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 MORE
Shipbuilding heritage, tall tales & Scottish cuisine make a tasty tune
Since launching in 2019, the Shipyard Bards, Tall Tales and Dinner events held at Glasgow's Mharsanta restaurant have repeatedly sold out.
READ MORE
Dr. Gillian Shirreffs Book Signing for Elephant at Waterstones Byres Road
Gillian Shirreffs has raised over £30,000 for charity through her writing, and she'll be signing copies of Elephant on Saturday 13th December at Waterstones Byres Road.
READ MORE
Silverburn unwraps a festive December of entertainment
Silverburn, Glasgow's leading retail and leisure destination, has unveiled a packed diary full of events this December, as guests get ready for Christmas.
READ MORE
Celtic Connections brought surprise morning gigs to coffee shops across Glasgow at the weekend
Celtic Connections surprised Saturday morning coffee goers with live pop-up gigs across Glasgow, bringing emerging artists into unexpected spaces.
READ MORE
Panto Pays: festive theatre season delivers economic boost
As part of Glasgow 850's Get You In Panto Town celebration, new figures reveal the significant economic contribution of Glasgow's beloved pantomime season to the city's economy.
READ MORE
Ring in Hogmanay with darts, dancing, and bottomless pizza
If your New Year's resolution is to have more fun, start early at Flight Club!
READ MORE
The oldest bar and restaurant in Glasgow unveils spectacular makeover
Sloans, has unveiled a spectacular festive transformation following a £300,000 investment that has reinvented the 228-year-old venue inside and out.
READ MORE
Celebrate South Asian cinema this December with a selection of releases at Vue
There’s plenty for fans of South Asian cinema to enjoy at Vue this December, with a number of titles heading to the big screen.
READ MORE
Is Glasgow Green Santa the coolest in the UK
Some visitors reckon that Santa's cousin who is currently in residence at Winter Wonderland at Glasgow Green is the coolest of Santas.
READ MORE
Toys the season to be Jolly! Kids in Glasgow can win the entire DreamToys list this Christmas
Children in Glasgow are in for a festive treat this year, as a number of local retailers have announced they will be giving away all 15 toys featured on this year's coveted DreamToys list.
READ MORE
Trust calls for the home of Scottish football to be saved from an own goal
National Trust for Scotland has added its voice to those seeking assurances about the preservation of the first ever Hampden Park in Glasgow.
READ MORE
Cocktails and Champagne at new Luss Distillery
The newly opened Luss Distillery has announced its first events ahead of the festive season.
READ MORE
Glasgow shoppers slow down for a calmer Black Friday at The Social Hub
Glasgow shoppers embraced “slow shopping” as The Social Hub hosted its Rethink Black Friday market, offering a calm alternative that spotlighted local makers.
READ MORE
Tis the season: Meet Home Alone inspired characters at Glasgow Fort
Christmas is in full swing at Glasgow Fort, with festive character visits, the Christmas market and family activities now underway to help get shoppers of all ages into the festive spirit.
READ MORE
Family run Jackton Distillery unveils bumper festive programme for 2025
Jackton Distillery, the family run Lowland distillery behind the RAER whisky, spirits and wine portfolio, has announced a packed Christmas calendar for December 2025.
READ MORE
First Scottish KENJI store now open at Silverburn
East Asian-inspired lifestyle brand KENJI has opened the doors to its first Scottish store as it joins the impressive brand lineup at Silverburn.
READ MORE
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 MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links