Carnival fun set for South Side

MEMBERS of the public are being invited to take part in the first ever Govanhill International Carnival.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will be opening the event which is set to take place on Saturday August 26.

Community groups, faith groups and local schools have created banners, costumes and masks for the parade which has a Carnival theme.

Following the parade, a family fun-day will kick off at The Queens Park Arena with music, food and activities on offer.

Nicola Sturgeon, who is also the local MSP, said: “I am delighted to be invited to launch the first ever Govanhill International Carnival.

“Govanhill is such a uniquely diverse part of Glasgow and the carnival will be a great opportunity to celebrate this diversity.

“I have no doubt that the hard work put in by local groups will make the event a success and I look forward to the Carnival becoming an annual fixture in the Govanhill calendar.”

Fatima Uygun, General Manager of Govanhill Baths Community Trust, who are organising the event, added: “We want the carnival to be a celebration of Govanhill’s unique community.

“A colourful parade and family event in the park brings people from the many diverse communities of Govanhill together. We want to make this a special annual event. It is apt that the First Minister will be joining us.”