Festivals and events in Glasgow
Given the popularity of Edinburgh’s festivals in recent years, Glasgow has created its own share of major, world-class festivals. Here are the biggest among them.
Celtic Connections festival
Since 1994, Glasgow has staged the Celtic Connections festival every January. For nearly three weeks, the cream of Celtic music from around the world perform for the city. In 2007, over 100,000 people packed 50 venues to see the hundred or so Celtic performers in this festival.
City of Love
Romance blooms in hotels, bars, restaurants and commercial districts every February as Glasgow celebrates its City of Love festival. Local establishments give couples special discounts on virtually everything. Images of Cupid, hearts, flowers and other Valentine staples become visible everywhere you go. Incidentally, the partial remains of St. Valentine can be found in a Glasgow church.
Glasgow International Jazz Festival
Held at Glasgow’s Merchant City every June, the Glasgow International Jazz Festival is one of Europe’s biggest jazz festivals featuring some of the biggest jazz acts in Europe and North America. The main stage is set up at the open-air George Square. Dozens of bars, restaurants and hotels join in by serving as jazz venues.
West End Festival
For 16 days in June, Glasgow’s most popular festival is celebrated with a slew of indoor and outdoor activities. The highlight is the huge Carnival Parade, considered to be the second-largest carnival event in the UK (the first is Notting Hill) with more than 100,000 merry-makers in attendance. The festival calendar has 400 events, including musical concerts, outdoor theater, guided tours, film showings and many street celebrations.
World Pipe Band Championships
In mid-August, hundreds of pipe bands from all over the world compete in a one-day affair at Glasgow Green to crown the World Champion. Glasgow has hosted this well-loved event since 1930.
Howard Park Hotel
