Music, film and family fun at Govanhill Carnival

From Dohl drummers and bhangra music in Queens Park; folk music at the Soup, Song and Swally; reggae and soul nights in the Rum Shack; and, karaoke in the park if you fancy joining in the celebrations!

Kicking off the mucial aspect of the Carnival is the fabulous Tom Urie who will be leading the audience in a singalong to some classic songs promoting peace and harmony, from Abba’s Fernando to Louis Armstrong’s What a Wonderful World.

The lovely folk from MERGE, The Minority Ethnic Residents Group, will be on hand with fresh samosas and pakoras.

Make sure your vocal chords are in fine tune as there is more music throughout the events including a Community Ceilidh, Soup, Song and Swally, which started in 2001 as part of the campaign to save Govanhill Baths, which will be hosting an afternoon of songs featuring a host of local folk musicians, and gigs from Rush Hour’s Robert Bergman and a night of soul music at The Rum Shack.

Roots Rock Reggae Against Racism (RRRAR) was formed last year to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the historic rock against racism movement. Legendary reggae artists from the era, Black Roots, Misty in Roots and Aswad played in Queen’s Park Arena.

This year, RRRAR returns to Govanhill International Festival and Carnival to defeat hate with love.

As part of the RRRAR line-up a series of discussion panels on the subject of racism, how we can challenge racism and what role music can play in that, is taking place.

Also on the bill is music from Mellow Chants (live) and Adrian Sherwood + Lo Kindre.

Film and theatre shows also make up the entertainment side of the Carnival.

I, Daniel Blake, tells the story of a 59-year-old widowed carpenter who must rely on welfare after a recent heart attack leaves him unable to work.

Despite his doctor’s diagnosis, British authorities deny Blake’s benefits and tell him to return to his job. As Daniel navigates his way through an agonising appeal process, he begins to develop a strong bond with a destitute, single mother who’s struggling to take care of her two children.

Latcho Drom (‘Safe Journey’) is a 1993 French documentary film in music and song directed and written by Tony Gatlif.

The movie is about the Romani people’s journey from north-west India to Spain, consisting primarily of music.

Also on the bill is a screening of Nicola Black – Atlas of Belonging.

The film explores community dynamics in Govanhill, focusing particularly on the lives of local Roma people as they settle into the community.

The film explores the lives of local people and their experiences in relation to migration, housing, education and starting life in Govanhill. Nicola Black is a BAFTA award winning filmmaker who has produced this film with input and support from Govanhill Housing Association staff.

There will be a Q&A after the screening. Refreshments provided.

Preceded by Govanhill Media Makers short film screenings.

A variety of events are also taking place throughtout the Carnival providing fun and games for all the family to enjoy.

Bring a picnic and watch as children brighten up the skies of the Southside with the traditional Afghan kites they have made at the Afghan Kite Festival, Family Picnic and Community Sports Day. Children are welcome to bring their own kites and join in.

United Glasgow Football Club offer a football festival for all abilities as well as a women’s football event, to channel your inner Robin Hood and aim for the bullseye and have a go at soft archery.

Or try something new, get strapped in with Velcro and join the giant human foosball table!

Master storyteller Rae will spin a selection of old Govanhill and Glasgow tales but she also wants to listen to your tales too, so she will open up the floor to listen to a few stories from the audience.

If you think stories are just “Once Upon A Time...” then you will be in for a surprise...

Whether you choose to take part on two feet or two wheels, the Park and Ride is a chance to explore the greenspaces of Govanhill.

Take in a tour of the public greenspaces as well as some of Govanhill’s community gardens hidden gems.

The Al-Khair Eid Family Fun Day includes face painting, stalls, water walkers and a bike station event, egg and spoon race, tug-of-war and sack races.

A perfect family day out for people of all faiths and of none.

To help mark Shelter Scotland’s 50th anniversary, head over to the beautiful Hidden Gardens for some family-friendly activities, music and local food. Meet some of the amazing community organisations working in and around Govanhill and find out more about how Shelter Scotland and others support people in Glasgow.

For the full programme of events, visit Govanhill baths