Festival 2018 promises a summer of fun

The Festival 2018 programme includes hundreds of unmissable events at festival sites and communities across the city, involving around 3700 artists and performers with the vast majority of events free for all ages.

The breadth, depth and accessibility of the programme ensures that there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Festival 2018 is part of the first ever European Championships, a brand new multi-sport event being staged over 11 days this August, and has established a ground-breaking cultural partnership with Glasgow’s co-host, Berlin with joint events occurring in both cities.

Glasgow’s city centre will be buzzing with activity and George Square will be the beating heart of it all. Alongside the entertainment there will be delicious Scottish food & drink to enjoy, as well as the opportunity to catch up on the day’s sporting action on the big screens.

Through its Berlin partnership, Festival 2018 is truly European in outlook and has something for everyone. The programme focuses on the creativity of Scotland’s cultural sector and features international names alongside up-and-coming artists and community performers.

Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop said: “Through this inclusive and innovative programme, Festival 2018, is an excellent platform to showcase Scotland’s talent and strengthen connections – both at home and internationally.

“There will be something for everyone and people can have a great day or evening out during the Championships. The Festival 2018 Carnival Procession that is taking place on the first Saturday will be a very special moment when community groups from across Scotland come together to weave through the streets of Glasgow, rubbing shoulders with home-grown and international performers.

“With this combined offer of elite sport and a vibrant cultural programme The Glasgow 2018 European Championships will help further promote Scotland as the perfect stage for major events, enhancing its reputation for inclusiveness, cultural brilliance and creative thinking.”

Cllr David McDonald, Glasgow City Council’s depute leader, said: “George Square has been the venue for some incredible art and entertainment over many decades – and Festival 2018 will again welcome huge crowds as the Merchant City Festival gets underway nearby.

“As a UNESCO City of Music, Glasgow is incredibly proud of its vibrant and world-class musical landscape and it’s fantastic to see that the Festival 2018 music programme brings together so many of its talented artists.

“The fun won’t just stop at George Square and Merchant City. Go Live! at the Green at Glasgow Green will be packed with activities and entertainment as well as being home to a Big Top showcasing the best in contemporary circus.

“Glasgow is the place to be this August.”

Gabriele Freytag, Senate of Interior and Sports in Berlin, added: “Glasgow Meets Berlin – a gala celebration will provide a perfect opportunity to build a cultural bridge between Berlin and Glasgow, the two Host Cities of the inaugural European Championships. Embedded in the new multi-sports event the project perfectly showcases Berlin’s sporting and musical diversity.”

For further information, visit festival 2018 glasgow.