BEST BUDDIES
Paisley’s most famous son joins top acts at arts festival
PAISLEY’S Spree is an exciting music, arts and comedy festival – and this year it’s bigger and better than ever. Get ready for some serious laughter tonight and on October 20 as Friday Night Comedy, in association with Gilded Balloon, brings you four of the best comedians on the Scottish circuit.
Local hero Paolo Nutini will play a tiny gig in Paisley Abbey on October 20 while tomorrow night Yola Carter, a UK Americana Music Awards winner who was raised on gospel and oldfashioned soul, will bring her own little bit of Americana to the festival.
Later she will be joined by Laura Cortese & The Dance Cards. Making a rare appearance in the UK, this band will be sure to raise the roof and get your feet tapping.
The West College Scotland music showcase returns to The Spree for another year on Monday and the programme offers a mix of musical styles including both solo and group performances.
The standard is incredibly high and you never know, you might see the next international superstar performing before their career really takes off. On Wednesday singer-songwriter and composer Dougie MacLean will be joined by De Temps Antan from Quebec for a very special evening. De Temps Antan combines tradition with contemporary flair, showcasing the very best of Quebecois music and proving the perfect accompaniment to MacLean’s Scottish soundtrack. Children are not forgotten, either, and things to keep them entertained include puppet shows, Bookbug sessions, comedy workshops and shows as well as Badger the Mystical Mutt, the toast-eating dog. All of these events are free.
If you didn’t know about Paisley’s bid to be UK City of Culture for 2021 then you do now. To celebrate, an album featuring 12 local acts will be released on October 23. Tickets for the launch cost £10, which includes a copy of the album. Back the bid at
paisley2021.co.uk
Spree for All will see the whole town take part, with fringe events happening throughout Paisley. Local performers will be gigging in cafes, restaurants and bars so no matter where you go, you will be entertained.
While you are there make sure to take in some local attractions.
Paisley Abbey is a must. Dating from the 12th century this impressive abbey is still a parish church and guided tours take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2pm.
Paisley Museum is an imposing Victorian building which houses the Paisley Shawl Collection, a recognised collection of national significance to Scotland. Admission is free of charge.
For more information on The Spree visit: