Scottish Festivals: Glasgow Events
Old Firm Derby, West End Festival and International Comedy
May 18, 2007
When it comes to Scottish festivals and cultural events, the Edinburgh Festivals in August are quite rightly the first that come to mind. But that doesn’t mean that the rival Scottish city hasn’t got anything on the cultural agenda. It’s quite the opposite in fact – Glasgow has plenty of excellent events throughout the year, whether it’s the arts of the West End Festival, the laughs of the Glasgow International Comedy Festival or the titanic clash of the Rangers vs Celtic Old Firm Derby.
Scottish Festivals: Glasgow Events - The Old Firm Derby
Scotland’s biggest football rivalry is Rangers vs Celtic, and it is arguably the most intense football match in the world. Because there are only twelve teams in the Scottish Premier League, the two bitter enemies clash at least four times a year, but familiarity most certainly doesn’t breed fondness. Tickets for the games, either at Ibrox Stadium or Parkhead, are very hard to get hold of, but if you manage to get hold of some, it’s imperative to make sure you’re not wearing the wrong colours in the wrong section. The rivalry goes beyond the football pitch, and is steeped in history: Rangers are traditionally the Protestant club, while Celtic are the Catholic club, with large Irish links. With the fanbases divided along sectarian lines, the chanting from the stands can be utterly ferocious. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but the atmosphere is absolutely electrifying.
Scottish Festivals: Glasgow Events – West End Festival
Determined not to let Edinburgh take all the glory, Glasgow has also set up a celebration of music, dance, theatre, comedy and film. Every June, the West End Festival is a haven for arts lovers, although the emphasis is as much on the revelry and partying after the shows have finished as the performances themselves. The West End Festival also incorporates Scotland’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade, which kicks things off on the first Sunday.
Scottish Festivals: Glasgow Events – Glasgow International Comedy Festival
Again, when people think of comedy in Scotland, thoughts automatically go towards Edinburgh. But the Glasgow International Comedy Festival manages to attract a fabulous line-up too, and it is now one of the major events on the international comedy circuit. It’s held every March in various venues across the city, including the King’s Theatre, the Stand Up Comedy Club, The Blackfriars Bumper Value Comedy Cavern and the Old Fruitmarket. For an indication of the line-up, the 2007 festival hosted Alan Carr, Russell Brand, Joan Rivers and Sean Hughes amongst others.
