GORBALS FAIR TO GO AHEAD ONLINE
IT is normally packed with colour and fun that lights up a South Side community every June. Coronavirus restrictions mean the 2020 Gorbals Fair cannot go ahead in its usual form at the St Francis Community Centre this weekend.
However, kind-hearted organisers have come up with a novel approach to ensure local people do not miss out.
A bunch of determined community groups and organisations have worked together to host a digital version of the popular event, which will go ahead online this Saturday.
Natalie Terry, of New Gorbals Housing Association, explained: “Gorbals Fair is such an important event in the local calendar we did not want to let it go by without marking it in some way.
“This event brings lots of sections of our community together every year, normally on the first Saturday in June and it’s a fantastic day for everyone.
“When we realised we could not have the Fair as we normally would because of lockdown restrictions, we wanted to come up with some way to keep hold of all the community spirit that is normally attached to it.”
Events will mostly be hosted online through a Facebook page, with a curated programme of new activities plus some from the archives – ably assisted by local people.
Natalie added: “Saint Francis Pipe Band will be joining in with a live performance – members will each take a collection of nearby streets and walk through playing for those indoors.
“We are inviting people to make some noise with them as they pass, but only from their windows – it is important that people know not to join the pipers on the street.”
There will be other activities, including a contest for the “best dressed windae”, which people can enter by sending in a photograph to the organisers. The winner will be chosen through a public vote.
“We know that the heart of Gorbals Fair is about community them members getting involved, using their talents, and showing just how unique our community is,” said Natalie.
“We hope as many people as possible will join in from home by getting involved in the best dressed windae competition.”
She added: “They can decorate their windows however they wish – it’s a chance to be creative and have some fun.”
The team is also looking for past photographs and videos of Gorbals Fair days through the years – more information can be found on the Facebook page.
New Gorbals Housing Association has teamed up a range of associations to stage the event on Saturday, including Citizens Theatre, community choir and musical organisation Givin’ It Laldie, heritage and environment group Friends of Southern Necropolis, Bridging the Gap, Link Up, and Giggle N Grow to stage the event.
Colin Mackie, of Friends of the Southern Necropolis, said: “We are all looking forward to making this unique event as special as it has always been.”
To get involved, search for Gorbals Fair 2020 on Facebook.