Get weaving some great
Buddies who plan on taking in Paisley’s annual Sma’ Shot celebrations this weekend will have plenty to sing and dance about after live music stages were added to the bill.
A wrap-around programme of musical talent, dubbed ‘Weave’, will be hosted in the heart of the town on Saturday and Sunday.
Renfrewhire Council’s 2021 campaign team, Paisley First, EventScotland, charity Loud ‘n’ Proud and Celtic Radio’s Liz Clark have teamed up to book an impressive array of acts, who’ll play both indoors and outdoors.
Tommy McGrory of Loud ‘n’ Proud is delighted with the bumper programme which will compliment the traditional Sma’ Shot parade.
He said: “This year’s Sma’ Shot day is bigger than ever before.
“Event Scotland is supporting the day with Weave, which is a vibrant and colourful festival celebrating arts, activism and design.
“The theme is rooted in Paisley’s radical weaving heritage and connections across the world and centres on Sma’ Shot day.
“Paisley’s historic buildings and backdrops will play host to an exciting weekend long programme of music, poetry, dance, theatre, workshops and festivities for all the family.
“Not only that, but Paisley First has put together a community festival in conjunction with Weave.
“The central ethos is to raise the profile of Paisley through art and cultural activity.”
The Gilmour Street Stage will be hosted on Saturday from noon to 10pm and feature a line-up kicking-off with The Spuds at noon and the last band, FreeSpeech, filling the headline spot from 7.30pm onwards.
Also booked to play the stage are Clyde, Graeme Kerr, Auld Skool and The Spyres.
Tommy added: “Get a beer and a burger and watch some great local bands.
“The music will be a mix of Irish, Scottish and Americana music from The Spuds, an eclectic set from young band Clyde, some clever loops and drum sounds from one man act Graeme Kerr, classic rock band Auld Skool will be rocking the stage and local favourites Free Speech who bring their own energetic stage show to finish the night off. Renowned names from Scotland’s literary scene are ready to make an appearance at Paisley’s first Weave festival this weekend.
Award-winning novelist, playwright and performer Alan Bissett and author and journalist Kirstin Innes will showcase their work at the three-day arts festival which is set to take over Paisley town centre from tomorrow until Sunday.
This marks the first time the Weave festival has taken place in the town, serving as a wrap-around cultural programme to Paisley’s annual Sma’Shot Day celebrations – one of the world’s oldest workers’ festivals.
Kirsty and Alan will be unveiling
“Meanwhile on the High Street Stage, from Saturday from 12pm to 4pm there will be a ceilidh in the middle of the street – right outside the YMCA.”
At the same time at Paisley Museum, there will be a children’s entertainment area full of fun with a magician, balloon art and face-painting.
“There will also be a great show for young kids with the RockUs Choir singing pop and rock favourites,” said Tommy. two new poems at the Sma’Shot Poetry Slam taking place at Paisley Town Hall on Saturday from 7pm from 10pm.
In addition to Kirsty Innes and Alan Bissett’s poetry showcase other programme highlights include:
Yorkston/Thorne/Khan, the Scottish/English/Indian ensemble, touring their new album Neuk Wight Dehli All-Stars;
the premiere of Iranian textile artist Paria Goodarzi’s new show Mass Movement, influenced by her personal journey as a refugee rebuilding her life in Scotland;
a poetry slam, storytelling sessions, and a series of talks, tours, workshops and demonstrations from local artists and designers, including traditional Paisley shawl weaving; and
PaisleyMake Makers’Market at Paisley Abbey will showcase a variety of exceptional and innovative Scottish designers and makers featuring everything from clothing and jewellery to interior design.
Alan said:“I’m really looking forward to taking part in the Weave Festival.
“As a fairly recent inhabitant of Renfrewshire, I’ve become fascinated by the history of Paisley and the surrounding area, which has found its way into the new poem I’ve written for the festival about the