Exciting festival to take over West End
A NEW arts and culture festival is coming to Glasgow in June.
WestFest will be taking over the West End from June 2 to 25, transforming the community with hundreds of family- friendly events.
The community festival will welcome more than 200 events taking place across 60 venues.
A free programme of community events like The Big Sunday at the Kelvingrove Bandstand, the Vinicombe Street Gala, Bard in the Yard at Kelvingrove Park and the Mansfield Park Street Festival will be happening this summer.
The annual Queen Margaret Drive Festival will also be back this year as part of WestFest.
The programme will feature a mix of music, theatre, comedy and visual art and festivalgoers can look forward to fire shows, outdoor ceilidhs, choral events and brass band concerts.
Brendon McIlroy founded WestFest after noticing an “overwhelming demand” in the community for inclusive cultural events in the West End.
He said: “It’s hugely exciting that we are finally able to launch WestFest this year.
“It’s been four years since there was a proper festival in the West End and after a very challenging few years people need events, arts and culture in their lives more than ever.
“The terrific attendance and overwhelmingly positive feedback we’ve received for our events last year demonstrate more than ever that there is a big demand for accessible events and activities in the West End.
“It would be hugely disappointing if there wasn’t some form of festival again this year.”
In addition to the events programme, WestFest has planned a range of workshops and projects with community groups as part of its commitment to outreach and education. It also has a school book programme which has been ongoing since October 2022.
Brendon said: “At the end of the day this is all about responding to community needs and giving people what they want.
“Events programmes are becoming increasingly difficult to deliver in light of funding cuts and if WestFest doesn’t fill the void – who will?
“People need a bit of levity and fun in their lives more than ever and we are uniquely placed to deliver that.”