27 May 2025
Clyde Chorus, a three-day long multi-venue music event marking Glasgow’s 850th birthday and celebrating its UNESCO City of Music status, has announced a trio of vibrant fringe events taking place across the city next week from Thursday 29 to Saturday 31 May 2025.
The celebrations will begin on Thursday 29 May with a spectacular riverside procession, inviting the public to come together in a short joyful procession along the Clyde. The festivities start at 16:45 leaving from Millenium Square, Pacific Quay (between BBC and Glasgow Science Centre) with energetic performances from local dance companies Indepen-dance and YDance, before the parade sets off at 17:00. Led by the stirring sounds of the Govan Community Pipe Band and the Glasgow Skye Association Pipe Band, the route will cross Bell’s Bridge and finish up at the Crowne Plaza. The event is free and open to all, with a warm invitation extended to residents and visitors alike to join in and mark the city’s big birthday.
On Saturday 31 May, the spotlight turns to Govan, where a host of community choirs will gather to perform on a dedicated outdoor stage at the Precinct/Square Area at Greenwall Street/Govan Cross. Running from 12 noon until 6pm, the free event promises a day of joyful harmony and musical pride, as choirs from across Glasgow fill the square with song and celebrate the power of collective voices.
That evening, Glasgow’s IMAX will host a very different kind of performance as Sonica presents UAXUCTUM, a live audiovisual experience from Glasgow artist Konx-om-Pax. The show, which begins at 7:30pm, fuses experimental sound with mesmerising generative visuals, drawing influence from modular synth pioneer Morton Subotnick and modern classical icon Krzysztof Penderecki. The result is a truly immersive sensory experience where light and sound merge into a dazzling, otherworldly spectacle. Tickets are available to purchase now via the Clyde Chorus website.
These newly announced Fringe Events join an already packed Clyde Chorus lineup, which features everything from grassroots gigs to orchestral showcases, family events, electronic performances, and genre-spanning collaborations. Highlights include Nina Nesbitt at the Pearce Institute, Lucia & The Best Boys at The Savings Bank, and a special Celtic Connections night. Elsewhere, audiences can catch a tea dance with the Lou Hickey Band, a Showcase of up-and-coming talent from Glasgow’s music colleges at SWG3, and performances presented in partnership with Glasgow Mela, Glasgow Jazz Festival, Ando Glaso Collective, Glasgow Gaelic Secondary School, and much more.
Clyde Chorus aims to shine a spotlight on Glasgow’s deep musical roots and exciting creative future, with events taking place across iconic venues and unexpected community spaces. With the addition of these new fringe events, the festival continues to champion local talent, celebrate diversity, and bring communities together through the shared language of music.
With some shows already sold out, fans are advised to purchase their tickets soon to avoid disappointment. For full listings and ticket details, visit www.clydechorus.co.uk.
Glasgow 850 Festival Fund sees a further five city festivals receive funding and 44 community projects awarded small grants
More than £60,000 awarded to established and local groups to support a varied programme of events and activities across the city.
The Glasgow Jazz Festival, Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival and WestFest are among recipients of the second phase of the one-off Glasgow 850 Festival Fund.
Five organisations that stage annual city events received a total of £25,000 to add value to their existing offerings by including additional programming that celebrates and showcases the richness and diversity of Glasgow talent, engages young people in the city and delivers community outreach activity.
The 39th Glasgow Jazz Festival (18-22 June), held will enhance its annual programme by offering five special free and discounted afternoon events over their weekend, 21/22 June. Saturday will see free children’s workshops in the Royal Concert Hall and a free live jazz afternoon in the Pearce Institute. Discounted tickets at the exclusive price of £8.50 are also available for an audience request performance with Brian Kellock in the Royal Concert Hall and a showcase of new jazz talent at St. Luke’s, on Sunday 22 June.
Jill Rodger, Director of Glasgow Jazz Festival, said: “As Glasgow’s longest running festival, we’re incredibly excited to be part of the Glasgow 850 celebrations and mark this milestone moment for our vibrant home city, known for its rich musical heritage and diversity. This support from Glasgow 850 has allowed us to expand our festival programme and stage a series of weekend afternoon events which bring the joyful spirit of jazz to children, reach new audiences in Govan, and celebrate Glasgow’s role as a thriving hub and destination for Scottish and international jazz talent to collaborate and flourish. We look forward to bringing it all to life for audiences at our 39th edition this June.”
At the end of October, the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival will incorporate two new activies as part of their work to mark Glasgow 850. Moving Minds will be a family-friendly event celebrating diversity and wellbeing, produced with diverse communities in Glasgow, with a focus on marginalised people and those at most risk of developing poor mental health. It is also proposed to bring together local artists and organisations to connect and celebrate Glasgow 850 at existing festival activities. These will look to bring the festival to new audiences in the city.
Recipients, who could bid for up to £5,000 each, include:
Local groups and organisations have also benefitted to the tune of £35,000 this year, through the Glasgow 850 Celebration Fund. The fund has awarded smaller community grants of up to £850 to 44 grassroots projects, ensuring every ward in the city is represented.
Groups awarded the small grants include:
Other events include tea dances, gala days, storytelling sessions, community barbecues, and arts exhibitions – all designed by and for local people.
Leader of Glasgow City Council, Councillor Susan Aitken, said; “Glasgow 850 is a celebration of our city’s past, present and future – and it’s the people of Glasgow who are making it their own. These events, both large and small, reflect the pride, creativity and community spirit define how people feel about their city and how they want to mark the year. With this money we’ve been able to support such a wide range of activities that will bring people together in every part of the city.”
For more information please visit glasgow850.com.
