Blantyre is all set for two-day gala festival

Thousands expected to attend family events

A highly-anticipated exciting weekend of festivities is planned for Blantyre this Saturday and Sunday, July 9 and 10.

Blantyre Community Committee have been fundraising and working tirelessly for many months, with partners at the National Trust for Scotland and David Livingstone Centre, to ensure a wonderful two-day gala event is put on for the people of Blantyre and beyond.

Billed as the largest gala celebration the town has ever seen, thousands of people are expected at the David Livingstone Centre grounds on Saturday, July 9, which starts with a colourful parade leaving from the sports centre at 11am heading to the David Livingstone Centre. Six lucky children will be picked up in limos and will be crowned at the gala at 1pm.

An amazing family day out is promised with a large market of 70 stalls of diverse appeal, hot and cold food, a licensed beer tent, a children’s sports day with prizes, live music and acts on stage, a DJ and, of course, the added attraction of the great venue itself with the David Livingstone museum, gift shop and café all open too.

The fairground will also be there featuring inflatables for children.

Summer celebrations continue into the next day at the same location, where an amazing free music festival has been organised, with live music for all age groups being provided throughout the day on stage.

Plentiful seating and tables will be provided and again the beer tent, fair and food will be available.

The music festival called “Live at Livvies” is something the committee have been planning for some time.

Blantyre Community Committee chairman Paul Veverka told the Advertiser: “We’ve managed to secure many local bands for entertaining visitors and hoping thousands of people come along to enjoy the summer fun and hear our local talent in what promises to be a memorable event.

“There’s progressive new bands, cover bands, solo artists as well as an incredible dance DJ.

“We’ve managed to ensure this event has free entry for all, which for a weekend of celebrations of this size, is something my committee colleagues should be congratulated on.”

Paul added: “As a priority, we have been highly respectful of nearby residents in Station Road and have not permitted music to continue beyond 8pm on the Saturday evening.

“Parking restrictions will apply. Visitors to the gala day are kindly asked to park at the red ash hardstanding at Stonefield Public Park or in the grounds of St Joseph’s School on Station Road, only a short walk to David Livingstone grounds.

“This year, vehicular entry to the bottom half of Station Road will strictly only be for residents, taxis, disabled and emergency access only.

“For the enjoyment of everybody, we trust drivers will be mindful of this important point.”

Blantyre Gala weekend opening hours are from 11am until 8pm Saturday, July 9, and midday until 6pm on Sunday, July 10.

Entry is free on both days.