GREEN WALK AND APP. The Merchant City Festival and Green Year. 2015 are collaborating to create a 'Green Walk' which wil
WELCOME
Merchant City Festival is wonderful. Glasgow is Scotland’s cultural capital. And Merchant City has become Glasgow’s principal cultural quarter. Once per year the area bursts forth en fête. This year’s festival runs from 25 July-2 August. The programme reflects the character of the district. Our street-scape and architecture, artist studios, theatres, design-led retail, creative industries, bars and restaurants. The festival profiles emerging local talent, and plays host to artists from across the world. Highlights includes the world premiere by Motionhouse of ‘Fragile’ which will involve up to 25 performers interacting with three JCBs! And it would not be Merchant City Festival if it were not for our live music stages, family-zone, Scottish and international street-artists, and continental food stalls which complement the area’s cafe-culture. Enjoy the festival. Bring your family and friends. And interact with us online and via social media to share your highlights and creative ideas for how Merchant City Festival can develop further. I’ll see you there! Gordon Matheson CBE Chair - Merchant City Festival Leader - Glasgow City Council
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CONTENTS
Outdoor Performance and Street Art
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Food & Drink
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Music
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Design
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Fashion
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Dance/Circus
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Comedy
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Family
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Tours
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Film
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Theatre
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Visual Art
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Gaelic Arts
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Sport
Other Events
Markets
PAGE 33 PAGE 34 PAGE 35
Map
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Festival Information
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THANKS to our funders, sponsors and partners: Funders
Sponsors
Partners
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OUTDOOR PERFORMANCE
© J Marc Dusart
AND STREET ART
MOTIONHOUSE: FRAGILE Sat 25 & Sun 26 July 2pm & 4.30pm Candleriggs Square
Fragile sees professional and emergent performers and JCB diggers working together in a breath-taking demonstration of strength and agility. Dancers and construction machinery interact in a poignant celebration of the relationship between movement and emotion. Moments of beautiful interaction between humans and machines are designed to be understood through the senses. It is a visceral, exciting experience which moves the audience through risk, daring, beauty and the unexpected. Free The world premiere of Fragile by Motionhouse is co-commissioned by Conflux, Merchant City Festival and Gulbenkian, University of Kent, with support from Creative Scotland, Glasgow City Council, Arts Council England and sponsored by Scot JCB and AB 2000.
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SURGE FESTIVAL
Sat 25 July – Sun 2 August
© Eggmen
SURGE Festival madness takes over Merchant City in an extravaganza of unique and outlandish outdoor performances. OUTDOORS All Free
GIJS VAN BON: SKRYF
EGGMEN: CIRQUE DU KAKA
Mon 27 & Tue 28 July 1.30pm – 5.30pm Candleriggs Square
Sun 2 Aug 1pm & 3.30pm Corner of Wilson Street and Hutcheson Street
Follow Skryf as an almost irrelevant pile of sand creates the magic of words.
DESPERATE MEN: SLAPSTICK & SLAUGHTER Wed 29 & Thurs 30 July 1pm & 5.30pm Candleriggs Square Two men explore Dadaism’s confrontation of the absurdity of war in this blackly comedic show.
Get ready, the world’s most bonkers circus is making its way to you.
FADUNITO: BABY Sun 2 Aug 2pm – 3pm Walkabout throughout Merchant City Innocence and demons struggle to dominate this wicked horned baby. Which side will win?
BOOM BOOMS AND EGGMEN: WAGGLE DANCE
INDOORS
Sat 1 August 12pm, 2.30pm & 5.30pm Walkabout throughout Merchant City
SURGE FESTIVAL CLUB
These adventurous bees invite you to join their fun, frolicking waggle dance around Merchant City.
BOOM BOOMS: SHOWGIRLS Sun 2 Aug 12pm & 3.30pm Walkabout throughout Merchant City A mischievous trio of curvaceous and vivacious showgirls bringing flirty fun and a little anarchy.
Sat 1 Aug 10.30pm – 3am Blackfriars, 36 Bell Street Continue the SURGE festivities late into the night, with cabaret weirdness and excellent DJs in Blackfriars. 18+, £5 (tickets available at the door)
Car Men © Conflux
Aristo Cats © Conflux
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HOMEGROWN Developed and supported by Conflux in tandem with professional performers, we’re unleashing the latest batch of brand new, brilliantly bizarre street theatre acts from emerging artists for you to catch – or be caught up in! CAR MEN
Music arrangement by Stephen Deazley Fri 31 July 1pm & 5pm Sat 1 & Sun 2 Aug 1pm & 4pm Candleriggs Square These car mechanics embrace their real talent – opera! – and perform Carmen in all its greasy glory.
FAME FACTORY Sat 25, Sun 26 July 1.30pm & 3.30pm Mon 27, Tues 28 July 1pm & 5.30 pm Wed 29 July 1.30pm & 5.30pm Walkabout throughout Merchant City These questionable PR consultants may make you instantly famous, but police are on the lookout!
SHADOW APPRENTICES Mon 27 & Tues 28 July 12.30pm & 5pm Sat 1 & Sun 2 Aug 12.30pm & 3pm Walkabout throughout Merchant City These trainee Shadows are let out on the street to practise and perfect their craft.
ARISTO CATS Sat 25 & Sun 26 July 1pm & 4pm Thurs 30 July 1.30pm & 5.30pm Walkabout throughout Merchant City Three old-line aristoc(r)ats cause chaos in their attempts to understand life on the streets of Glasgow.
Homegrown performers: Christopher Nairne, Douglas Nairne, Alistair Digges, Thomas Beecher, Michael Warne, Bryce Lamont and Izzy Stott.
The Bluetifuls © Ingrid Mur
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COMMUNITY STREET THEATRE TOUR SURGE Community Street Theatre project is back! New costumes, new acts, new ways to surprise and startle on the streets of Glasgow. Our ever-popular project lets those new to outdoor performance learn fun new roles before hitting the town with professional performers for a surreal walkabout session. Join us for a weird ‘n’ wonderful workshop, or get entranced as our parading pranksters are unleashed around Merchant City! WORKSHOPS AT THE BRIGGAIT: 141 BRIDGEGATE, G1 5HZ
PERFORMANCES: WALKABOUT THROUGHOUT MERCHANT CITY
Wed 29, Thurs 30 & Fri 31 July 11am – 2pm Sat 1 Aug 10am – 1pm
Wed 29, Thurs 30 & Fri 31 July 3pm – 6pm Sat 1 Aug 2pm – 5pm
Visit www.conflux.co.uk for more information or contact
[email protected] (0141 559 4928) to book onto a workshop.
For more information visit merchantcityfestival.com
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FOOD AND DRINK
The Yellow Kitchenprince
The Year of Food and Drink Scotland 2015 celebrates the country’s outstanding natural larder and produce. Enjoy brilliant moments packed with regional delights and discover the landscapes, people and culture that make our food heritage so unique. Come and experience it and taste the very best Scotland has to offer at Merchant City Festival. THE YELLING KITCHENPRINCE Sat 25 & Sun 26 July 1pm & 5pm Hutcheson & Wilson Street
MONO’S BIG GREEN WELCOME
Theatre, circus and a rock concert on the unique kitchen-organ-drumset. Without humour.
Sat 25 July – Sun 2 Aug
Free
Mono’s Big Green Welcome is a programme of events drawing on Mono’s penchant for food, music and art to focus on notions of sustainability and DIY.
CHIPS COWBOYS
GIVE VEGETARIANISM/VEGANISM A TRY FOR A DAY! 13th Note Various dates and times, check website for details A celebration of everything vegetarian, speakers, samples, and a weekend of free music! Children welcome up until 6pm
Thurs 30 & Fri 31 July 1 – 7pm Hutcheson/Wilson Street
Cowboy Chips: Faster chips do not exist Cowboys like shooting, Greasecowboys like chips. In our shooting range you shoot a potato through a grid that cuts potatoes to chips. Age 7+, Free
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TONTINE LANE
Thurs 16 July – Sun 2 Aug noon – late Access Tontine Lane via Trongate & Bell Street Behind well-trodden trails lies Tontine Lane. Hidden within plain sight in the beating heart of the Merchant City, a unique and normally secret space shall open its gates to host a series of extraordinary interventions. Tontine Lane will be transformed into an animated environment, offering the Heverlee Belgian Beer Cafe Bar, the very best in Scottish street food and pop up dining, art installations and cinematic projection. Music, specialty stalls, and cultural performance will all enhance this singularly urban environment, with Turner Prize winner Douglas Gordon’s ‘Empire’ sign being just one of the iconic neon artworks located in Tontine Lane to be re-illuminated during the event. Follow Tontine Lane on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to find out more. Photo used with kind permission from Gavin Murphy Flickr.com/murphygb Free
For more information on food and drink events, visit merchantcityfestival.com
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League of Astonishing Strings
MUSIC BRUNSWICK STREET LIVE Sat 25 July – Sun 2 Aug South Brunswick Street
Our fully covered, funky Pringle shaped tent will host live music, movies and activities for all the family. Enjoy a refreshing drink on the sun terrace or some tasty food from our continental-style café bar.
MERCHANT SQUARE EMERGING TALENT STAGE Tue 28 – Fri 31 July 6.30pm – 8.30pm Merchant Square Showcasing a breadth of emerging musicians and bands from across the city and beyond. Including:
LEAGUE OF ASTONISHING STRINGS Tue 28 July 6.30pm – 8.30pm
BLACKFRIARS MUSIC STAGE Sat 25 July & Sat 1 Aug 11am – 10pm Sun 26 July 12.30pm – 9pm Sun 2 Aug 12.30pm – 10pm Albion Street Get your toes tapping to more than 30 of the best live bands in the UK at our outdoor music stage! Featuring some of the best rhythm n blues, rock & roll, soul and jazz acts around and showcasing some of the best up and coming new talent that Scotland has to offer.
Three amazing string groups from N. America who demonstrate virtuosity and energy of the highest level. The show promises to deliver moments of musical majesty that audiences of all ages will enjoy.
INNOVATION Wed 29 July 6.30pm – 7.30pm High octane fiddle music from around the world performed by an exciting 25 piece fiddle led group from Scotland that specialises in contemporary arrangements of Celtic music from around the world.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for up to date performance schedules @merchcityfest /merchantcityfestival
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BIG FAT ELECTRIC CEILIDH
MERCHANT CITY’S GOT TALENT! – LIVE PERFORMANCES
Sat 1 & Sun 2 Aug 6.30pm – 8.30pm Merchant Square You will never have experienced a ceilidh like this one before! Mixing club and ceilidh cultures, the Big Fat Electric Ceilidh will get your pulse racing.
GLASGOW SENIOR CITIZENS ORCHESTRA
55+
Wed 29 July 2pm City Halls The unstoppable Glasgow Senior Citizens Orchestra performs some well-loved pieces in their own inimitable style.
SCOTTISH MUSIC CENTRE DIGITAL SHOWCASE Sat 25 July – Sun 2 Aug various times City Halls Scottish Music Centre will be showcasing hundreds of talented young artists and composers by broadcasting YouTube videos on screens throughout the festival. See live performances on Sat 25 July and Sat 1 Aug.
MERCHANT CITY’S GOT TALENT! AUDITIONS Sat 25 July 12 noon – 5pm Glasgow Music Studios Come along and audition for our very own talent show and you could find yourself on STV’s The Riverside Show! Prizes to be won.
Sat 25 & Fri 31 July Various locations Musicians will perform throughout the Merchant City in a series of live busking/ performance spaces. Bookings required for auditions and performance slots – 0141 552 0907
THE SOUND OF HITCHCOCK Sat 25 July 5pm City Halls The BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra plays music from Alfred Hitchcock’s films. All tickets £10, phone 0141 353 8000 to book. Booking/transaction fee: £1 online, £1.50 by phone
SEVEN SONG CLUB SPECIAL Sat 1 Aug 8.30pm Tron Theatre Live music in the Vic Bar, Seven Song Club present Warren McIntyre, with special guests. Tickets £5 Phone 0141 552 4267, visit www.tron.co.uk or in person at the Tron Theatre Box Office
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Merchant City Festival 2015 builds on initiatives within the Festival 2014 programme to showcase Glasgow designers and makers. The event will provide a platform for designers to showcase, discuss and share their processes and outputs, preparing the city for a greater presence in 2016, the Scottish year of Architecture and design. MERCHANT CITY GRAPHIC INTERVENTION Sat 25 July – Sun 2 Aug
Wayne Hemingway
DESIGN
GENEROUS DESIGN Wed 29 July 5.30pm City Halls Wayne Hemingway invites an audience to enjoy a lively talk on ‘generous design’ and how it benefits our communities. £2
A graphic intervention in the streets of the Merchant City adorning unloved walls by Bernie Reid, illustrator and street artist.
COVE PARK CRAFT SHOWCASE
HAA DESIGN – AN INTRODUCTION TO DESIGN
Sat 25 July – Sun 2 Aug 24 hours on street window 10/20 Bell Street, SCRA windows
Sat 25 & Sun 26 July 1pm – 5pm 30 Bell Street Architecture and design students at Glasgow further and higher education institutions exhibit their work at these Open Days. Perfect for very young aspiring designers! Free
Showcase of work by previous and current designers/makers on Cove Park’s residency programme. With thanks to Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration.
INSIGHT INTO THE COVE PARK CRAFT RESIDENCY PROGRAMME Sat 1 Aug 4.30pm – 6.30pm City Halls Makers/designers share their experiences of the Craft Residency Programme and the work they produced. Free but ticketed; book via MCF website
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DESIGN STUDIOS TALKS AT SOUTH BLOCK Thurs 30 July 6pm – 7.30pm 64 Osbourne Street Three short studio talks will showcase the work of designers/design practices based at South Block. Free, 16+
OWNED AND OPERATED PRESENT SIGN PAINTERS: THE FILM Thurs 30 July 8pm City Halls A screening of the documentary: Sign Painters: The Film and a chance to win a very special prize! Watch out for a live outdoor public demonstration from local sign painters. £3/£4 bookable via MCF website
OWNED AND OPERATED: MERCHANT CITY DESIGN ENVIRONMENTS Throughout the Festival A look into the studios of designers in the Merchant City by way of a photographic series. Look out for the posters which will be displayed showcasing the studios of 10 design companies.
TRANSLUCENT Throughout the Festival Graphical House Studio, 53-61 King Street Briggs & Cole, with Graphical House, present two site specific installation designs for studio windows. Free
BESPOKE ATELIER
55+
Wed 29 July 10am South Block, Osborne St Create something unique - design and screenprint your own fabulous tote bag. To book:
[email protected]
EDIBLE ARCHITECTURE Tue 28 July 12 noon – 6pm Sit down discussion 5.30pm – 6.30pm City Halls To celebrate the high number of architects working within the Merchant City they have been invited to recreate some of their most recent achievements in cake form. Participating Architects will be available throughout the afternoon to discuss their work before presenting their ‘bakes’ in a Pecha Kucha style presentation. Produced by GIA Glasgow Institute of Architects Discussion: Free but ticketed; book via MCF website
THE STORYMAKER Mon 27 – Fri 31 July Various locations
The Storymaker: a mobile machine for evoking, gathering and recording stories about the Merchant City. Designed and constructed by Masters Students. Produced by Department of Architecture at the University of Strathclyde. Free
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DESIGNER FLAGS Look out for the specially commissioned Flags, highlighting the locations of Merchant City Festival design events, kindly supported by The Lighthouse.
NOTHING IS FOR SALE HERE Throughout the Festival Various sites An experiment in reclaiming visual public space. Poster works from Maeve Redmond and Sophie Dyer. Free
MORTEM SIMULANS Throughout the Festival 13th Note King Street Window Kinetic installation with automated cast and constructed garment forms, with symbiotic sound. Created by Carmel O’Brien and Sukaina Kubba. Free
THE PERSISTENCE OF TYPE Connecting Tramway to city centre audiences, a series of specially designed posters, by Sophie Dyer and Maeve Redmond, reexamine common advertising motifs of the twentieth century. Curated by Panel. The exhibition at Tramway runs until 9 August 2015.
BARRAS BANCHETTO A theatrical dining experience from Pidgin Perfect which invites participants to discuss the refocusing of the Barras Market. Commissioned by Merchant City Festival 2015 and VELOCITY - a cultural response to the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
BARRAS BANCHETTO: THEATRICAL DINING EXPERIENCE Sat 25 July 1pm – 3pm Ross Street, The Barras
BARRAS BANCHETTO: ARTIST PRESENTATION Sat 1 Aug 1pm – 2pm City Halls
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FASHION CULTURES
Sat 25 July – Sun 2 August A celebration of fashion and the role it plays within the culture of Glasgow. Fashion Cultures returns to the Merchant City Festival with an exciting programme dedicated to the tools of adornment: perfume, hair and make-up. The programme will recognise that fashion isn’t just an object or a retail experience but is a rich economy and culture that impacts upon all sectors of society. It will be a celebration of the role that perfume, hair and make-up play within the culture of Glasgow, the pleasure that people take in dressing up and going out, as well as the politics of adornment and enhancement.
Change is a Beautiful Thing A film by Kathryn Ferguson, part of Selfridges The Beauty Project series.
FASHION
THE BEAUTY PROJECT Belfast born Kathryn Ferguson is a Film Director, Film Curator and Fashion Film Research Fellow and will introduce and discuss her four short films made in association with Selfridges. Taking a finely-crafted look at some of modern beauty’s most interesting topics; • A Return to Natural • Beauty I See You Everywhere • Change is a Beautiful Thing • In Every Person, A Universe
All dates and times to be confirmed. The full programme for Fashion Cultures can be found online at www.merchantcityfestival.com
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CLARA URSITTI
HAIR CUT FASHION
Clara Ursitti has been working with fragrance since the early 1990s creating pungent installations and interventions that delve into the social and psychological aspects of scent. She will be premiering her new work at Merchant City Festival.
Inspired by the limited menu of hairstyles found in the hairdressing stalls in the markets of North Korea, India, Vietnam and Thailand, Hair Cut Fashion will recreate this experience of choosing your style from one of a few bad pics on the wall. You are invited to participate – just pick the cut, get it done and go!
ILLAMASQUA - WORKSHOPS Fashion Cultures is delighted to host makeup workshops by Illamasqua, Britain’s most exciting and innovative make-up brand. The product of a heady mix of influences; from its roots in the dark and illicit 1920s Berlin club scene, to a rich heritage in the manufacture of make-up for film and theatre, Illamasqua takes its inspiration from members of the ‘alternative scenes’ for whom self-expression is paramount. These workshops will be conducted by Illamsaqua professional make up artists.
SOFT FOCUS From Vaseline on lenses to photoshop, in association with Panel, Fiona Jardine, Maeve Richmond and Sophie Dyer, this event will examine the politics of photographic enhancements. Hosted by Tramway as part of “The Persistence of Type”.
A CULTURAL HISTORY OF HAIR Professor Caroline Cox is a leading fashion authority whose work investigates the interface between fashion, hair and culture.
GLASGOW SCHOOL OF ART AT JIGSAW Back by popular demand…. GSA will be conducting art and design workshops within the glorious surroundings of Jigsaw, Ingram Street. Open to everyone age 12+
PERFUME WAS MY HOBBY Mairi MacKenzie, Research Fellow in Fashion and Textiles at Glasgow School of Art and the producer and programmer of Fashion Cultures, recounts her time as a teenage perfume sales girl in Stranraer.
COMME DES GARÇONS PARFUM – AN EVENING WITH … Explore the wonderful world of Comme Des Garcons Parfum, via specially commissioned food and cocktail pairings, designed to replicate, compliment and enhance the vivid scent profile of these incredible fragrances. This event is being held in association with Diageo.
KIEHLS Kiehl’s was founded as an old-world apothecary in New York’s East Village over 150 years ago. Today, Kiehl’s is dedicated to giving customers quality skin care and hair care products based on the most advanced science and utilizing unique, natural ingredients. Come along to one of their special events during Fashion Cultures to discover more.
Osadia
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OSADIA Sat 1 and Sun 2 Aug 1pm – 4pm Merchant Square Do you dare, sit in the barber’s chair? Be amazed by the transformed characters that descend from the chair in this interactive hair sculpturing show. Free Traditions of Thailand
JASMINE THAI MASSAGE Sat 25 July 1pm – 2pm & 5pm – 6pm Fri 31 July 12 noon – 1pm 100A Brunswick St Experience the benefits of massage therapy using traditional Thai methods. Free
ALAN EDWARDS HAIRDRESSING FASHION SHOW Sun 26 July 2.30pm, 3.45pm, 5.15pm & 7pm Hutcheson Street A ten minute fashion show utilising Clothes from Graduate Students from West College Scotland (Cardonald College). Free
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Aerial Edge
Of Man and Beast © Brian Slater
DANCE/CIRCUS
CIRC:US Thu 30 & Fri 31 July & Sat 1 Aug 7pm – 9.30pm The Briggait A circus ensemble show by Aerial Edge featuring aerial, acrobatics and physical theatre. Adult £7 Child £5 Booking details available at merchantcityfestival.com
OF MAN AND BEAST MCF Co-commission Sat 1 & Sun 2 Aug 2.30pm & 5pm Wilson Street / Hutcheson St or Brunswick St junction A powerful, sensitive and revealing look at male group dynamics. Five exceptional performers showcase Company Chameleon’s inventive and unique physical style. Free
DANCE HOUSE GLASGOW STAGE Sat 1 Aug 10am – 12 noon Morning Workshop 1pm – 4pm Sun 2 Aug 1 – 3pm The Briggait, 141 Bridgegate To celebrate this exciting new era of The Briggait as a cultural hub for the City, Dance House Glasgow & partners will present an exciting array of dance performances and workshops. Free
ROAR Sun 2 Aug 3pm Strathclyde University Green Albion Street ROAR brings the animal kingdom to the urban jungle in a unique dance performance by Dance HQ & Blaze Dance Academy. Free
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COMEDY COMEDY AT BLACKFRIARS
Howard Read
In association with Peter Buckley Hill’s free fringe we are presenting 9 nights of stand-up, cabaret and comedy theatre in Glasgow’s original comedy club – Blackfriars Basement. All shows are free to enter, and if you like the show, you are asked to put a donation in a bucket at the end. All shows are 18+. SUSIE MCCABE Sat 25 July 8pm Glasgow’s freshest female comedian.
HOWARD READ: MAN (WORK IN PROGRESS) Sun 26 July 8pm
CHRIS FORBES AND CAMMY SINCLAIR “THE BLUNDER GAMES”
What does being a man mean if you don’t like sport or punching people when drunk?
Sat 25th July 9.30pm Expect clowning, comedy, singalongs and slapstick from two of Scotland’s top comedic performers.
LARRY DEAN “OUT NOW” Sun 26 July 9.30pm Scottish Comedian of the Year 2013 award winner previews his Edinburgh Fringe show.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest laughs @merchcityfest /merchantcityfestival
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EDINBURGH IN THE SHADOWS Wed 29 July 8pm Beattie and Scratchmann reveal the truth behind Edinburgh’s most celebrated sites and characters.
Elf Lyons
MARK NELSON: OLDER THAN JESUS Wed 29 July 9.30pm
ELF LYONS Mon 27 July 8pm Comedian, writer and attempting to be Barbarella.
Multi-award winning comedian Mark Nelson returns with his new thoughts on life and the world.
ADRIAN: THE ARGENTINEAN IN EDINBURGH Thu 30 July 8pm
MONSTER-A-GOGO: A HORRIFYING CABARET Mon 27 July 9.30pm Time to get your gladrags on, let your guts hang out and boogie till your heart starts beating again with an evening of sinister stories and worst of all, Glaswegians!!!
CANTANKEROUS THEATRE: OUT OF IRELAND
Introspective and self-deprecating comedy, playing with the “rest of the world’s” preconception of Latin-American people.
ALEX KEALY & FRIENDS Thur 30 July 9.30pm A ‘So you Think You’re Funny’ finalist and “hugely funny” (BroadwayBaby.com)
Tue 28 July 8pm Cantankerous Theatre use Bouffon, clown and half mask and humour to bring stories of Ireland to life.
RAYMOND MEARNS: GROWING OLD DISGRACEFULLY
JAMES BENNISON: HOW TO BE A SUPERHERO Fri 31 July 8pm From enrolling in Psychic College to hunting aliens with abductees….
Tue 28 July 9.30pm
SAM AND JON’S JAM SANDWICH
They say 50 is the new 30, if that’s true then I’m only 27.
Fri 31 July 9.30pm With stand-up sketches and a little hint of madness, the show features a guest performer to provide the day’s filling.
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THE CREATIVE MARTYRS: TALES FROM A CABARET Sun 2 Aug, 9.30pm The Creative Martyrs present stories of artists and the society in which they live with spoken word and songs that should have you tapping toes and doubting your own dubious morals.
OTHER COMEDY
Obie
RAYMOND MEARNS COMEDY CRAWL
OBIE “REMEMBER MY NAME” Sat 1 Aug 6.30pm Obie performs a unique stand up show combined with outstanding memory skills.
GARY MEIKLE: DYSFUNCTIONALLY IN ORDER Sat 1 Aug 8pm Strap yourself in! This award-winning Glaswegian is taking the comedy world by storm.
CHRISTEL BARTELSE: ONEYMOON Sun 2 Aug 8pm Your presence requested at the wedding of Caroline, the Canadian woman who coined the phrase “ONEymoon”.
Sun 26 July 3.00pm Starting point outside Blackfriars The “Rock ‘n’ Roll Comedian” invites you to join him on a tour of the Merchant City’s Comedy Hotspots. £5/£3, 18+
AN ALTERNATIVE GUIDE TO THE MERCHANT CITY FESTIVAL Fri 31 July 3pm Starting Point outside Ramshorn Theatre A fun and insightful guide to the Merchant City and the festival’s hidden gems. £5/£3
ABSOLUTE IMPROV Friday 31 July 8.30pm Tron Theatre Laugh your socks off improve a la “Whose line is it anyway?” Fast-paced show will have you coming back for more. £8/£7/£6
GET INVOLVED FUND The ‘Get Involved’ Fund is open to local businesses and organisations to programme something special for the Merchant City Festival. This year, we have supported 14 businesses and organisations to bring exciting and new events to this year’s Festival programme. Look out for events with the G. Alan Edwards Fashion Show
Wasps Studio Tours at South Block Mono Jasmine Thai Massage 13th Note Village Storytelling Yurt Lost Soup Kitchen Dance HQ ROAR Greyfriars Garden Project Ability ‘Let’s Weave’ Scottish Music Centre – Glasgow Print Studio Upcycling Workshop Merchant City’s Got Talent Haa Design Open Days
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FAMILY
FAMILY ZONE Our Family Zone in Merchant Square will host a series of fun, playful, collaborative art workshops exploring themes tied to Glasgow’s Year of Green and Scotland’s Year of Food & Drink. ARTIST RUN WORKSHOPS
LET’S WEAVE
Mon 27 – Fri 31 July 12 noon – 4pm
Thurs 30 July 11.30am – 1pm & 2pm – 3.30pm Merchant Square
Drop in sessions, first-come, first-served basis Suitable for all ages and abilities. Free
ALTOGETHER GLASGOW FAMILY FUN Wed 29 July 12 noon – 4pm Merchant Square The Altogether Glasgow project is about taking part and trying new things. Join us for some arts activities and games for families. Free
Weave a web of colour and texture using recycled textiles, plastics, paper, twigs and more. Free
UPCYCLED SCREENPRINTING WORKSHOP Fri 31 July 12 noon – 4pm Merchant Square Upcycle and customise your old clothing into funky new fashions using screenprinting. Free
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OTHER EVENTS
Happy Feet
BRAVE, BOLD & SILLY FANCIFUL TALES OF FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY Sat 25 July 12 noon – 4pm Village Storytelling Yurt North Hutcheson Street Fun and family friendly day of storytelling in our purpose built storytelling yurt. Free
TALL TALES Sat 1 Aug 11.30am & Sun 2 Aug 2pm Tron Theatre Fun filled storytelling sessions brought to life with props, movement, music, percussion and creative play.
HAPPY FEET – DANCE-A-LONG! Sat 1 Aug 1pm – 3pm Old Fruitmarket Join the world’s most famous dancing penguin, Mumble, as he dances away through his early years. Watch the film and dance along with him to Boogie Wonderland and other disco classics. BSL interpreted warm-up and captioned film screening. Cost £5 adult/£3 child Young Glasgow & Glasgow Kidz Card holders go FREE! Bring your card along on the day.
Family: £5 (1 child & up to 2 adults)
TINY TALES
PEACH, OSCAR AND THE DRAGON’S TEARS Louna Productions
Sat 1 Aug 10.30am & Sun 2 Aug 1pm Tron Theatre
Sat 1 & Sun 2 Aug 1.45pm & 4.30pm North Hutcheson St
Fun filled storytelling sessions brought to life with props, movement, music, percussion and creative play.
A storytelling adventure by about the Dragon of Darkness, a brave girl and her cat! Free
Family: £5 (1 child & up to 2 adults)
Don’t forget there’s lots of entertainment throughout the streets of the Merchant City every day of the Festival!
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TOURS
MERCHANT CITY MUSIC TOURS PAST AND PRESENT Sun 26, Thu 30, Fri 31 July & Sun 2 Aug Starts 2pm Meeting point: City Halls Box Office Join us as we explore the historic heart of Glasgow and bring to life its musical stories. Each tour will end with a concert at Mono featuring up and coming Glasgow artists. £5/£3 via City Halls Box Office
GREEN WALK AND APP The Merchant City Festival and Green Year 2015 are collaborating to create a ‘Green Walk’ which will be hosted on the Glasgow Walking App. Download the app (available from the play store and apple apps) and explore the ‘Green’ side of the Merchant City.
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WOMEN OF THE MERCHANT CITY Sun 26 July 2pm – 4pm Glasgow Women’s Library Uncover the Merchant City’s hidden history during this walking tour around Glasgow’s cosmopolitan hub. £10
MERCHANT CITY ART WALK Sat 1 Aug 11am – 12 noon Leaving from City Halls reception
The Lost Baton Bearers
Join Altogether Glasgow for a walk to explore some of the art in the Merchant City. Tickets are free but must be booked through the City Halls. Max 4 tickets per booking.
THE MERCHANT CITY, SLAVERY AND ABOLITION MISCHIEF LA BAS
Sat 1 & Sun 2 Aug 12pm & 3pm
Sat 25 July 11am & 3pm Meet at the junction of Candleriggs and Wilson Street
Stephen Mullen leads a guided tour through Glasgow’s mercantile past and connections with slavery and abolitionism.
Guided (up to a point) Tour to People’s Palace by THE LOST BATON BEARERS. Des and Liz Mahagow finally bring their baton to its spiritual home, just in time to celebrate the “Our Games” exhibition. Join this inspirational pair as they cover the last mile of their mammoth, baton-bearing journey across Scotland, setting off from the junction of Candleriggs and Wilson Street for their final destination, The People’s Palace.
£2 via City Halls Box Office
Free (bring your own map!)
MEDICAL AND MACABRE HISTORY WALK Sun 2 Aug 2pm – 3pm Leaving from City Halls reception Explore some of the Merchant City’s gruesome history with Altogether Glasgow. Tickets are free but must be booked through the City Halls. Max 4 tickets per booking.
To book tickets phone 0141 353 8000 online www.merchantcityfestival.com In person at the box office at City Halls or Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. Booking fee applies to phone and online bookings £1 online/£1.50 by phone. Additional £1 postage fee per booking if required.
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FROM SCOTLAND WITH LOVE Wed 29 July 7pm Old Fruitmarket
FILM
Made entirely of Scottish film archive, this 75 minute film with a transcendent score by King Creosote is a journey into our collective past, exploring the universal themes of love, loss, resistance, migration, work and play
JOE HEENAN’S FILM QUIZ Tue 28 July 7.30pm The Candleriggs Bar, City Halls
Free
Know a lot about movies? Then come and show off in a room full of strangers. Teams of up to 5 can participate and we’ll put you in teams if you’ve no pals!
WINNING THE CITY/NEIL’S GAMES
18+, Free
A launch of a book, by Alison Irvine, Chris Leslie and Mitch Miller; and a film from Urbancroft, both tracking the changes and impact of the Commonwealth Games in east and south Glasgow. Commissioned by Glasgow Arts.
ADVANCED STYLE
55+
Wed 29 July 3.30pm City Halls Meet seven inspirational New Yorkers whose unique style, vivacious spirit and flamboyant personalities guide them through the challenge and adventure of the ageing process. Free
Thurs 30 July 6pm City Halls
Free
THE TRUE COST & BANGLADESH FASHION VICTIMS Sat 1 Aug 12 noon – 3pm City Halls An afternoon of hard hitting documentary film about the impact of fashion on people and the planet. Screenings accompanied by some discussion. Free but ticketed; book via MCF website
To book tickets phone 0141 353 8000 online www.merchantcityfestival.com In person at the box office at City Halls or Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. Booking fee applies to phone and online bookings £1 online/£1.50 by phone. Additional £1 postage fee per booking if required.
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THEATRE FESTIVAL OF IAN SMITH Fri 31 July & Sat 1 Aug 11am – 9pm Sun 2 Aug 12 noon – 5pm CCA, 350 Sauchiehall Street A celebratory retrospective of the work of the maverick performer and self-proclaimed ‘Art Gangster’ who was a master at exploiting and juxtaposing many different art forms, be they visual art, comedy, performance, compering, music, cartoons, street theatre or television. Ian played an integral role in Merchant City Festival in its early years.
HITCHCOCK’S ‘BLACKMAIL’ WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA Sat 25 July 8pm City Halls Hitchcock’s silent classic with live accompaniment by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. All tickets: £15 unreserved seating
DANCE-A-LONG FILM NORTHERN SOUL Sat 1 Aug, 6.30pm Old Fruitmarket Learn the steps then watch the film! Immerse yourself in 1974 and the music and moves that inspired a generation. Elaine Constantine’s Northern Soul (2014, cert 15, 102 mins) is a personal and powerful tribute to the music which transformed youth culture in the UK in the 1970s long before punk set in. £8/£6
Free
DEATH Sat 1 Aug 7pm CCA, 350 Sauchiehall Street Part of the Festival of Ian Smith, a deaththemed cabaret featuring weaving music and performances around the theme of death with live art, performance lectures, installation and dark comedy. Expect to be enlightened! 18+ £16/£12.50 (Booking fee 60p) via CCA Box Office
A GAMBLER’S GUIDE TO DYING Fri 31 July & Sat 1 Aug 8pm Tron Theatre An intergenerational tale of what we live for and what we leave behind. ***** The Stage £10/£7.50 Book via www.tron.co.uk
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VISUAL ART
One of Europe’s most important and prestigious contemporary visual art awards comes to Scotland for the first time. The Turner Prize, which leaves its home at Tate Britain every other year, will be hosted by Tramway, Glasgow. The exhibition of work by the four shortlisted artists will be open for viewing at the Glasgow venue October 2015 – January 2016 and admission will be free. The four shortlisted artists are: Assemble Bonny Camplin Janice Kerbel Nicole Wermers Join in the discussion on Twitter #TurnerPrize
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Can’t wait to get involved? Start the journey during Merchant City Festival with a visit to the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA). Get involved outdoors with our Pop-Up Turner Prize activities! GOMA’S ISLAND SATURDAY ART CLUB FOR FAMILIES Sat 25 July & Sat 1 Aug 10.30am – 12.30pm Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) Pop by and play with art outdoors. Making is for everyone!
PHIL COLLINS – TOMORROW IS ALWAYS TOO LONG Fri 10 July – Sun 16 Aug Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) Turner Prize-nominated artist Phil Collins creates a modern-day city symphony and musical love letter to Glasgow. Screenings of film throughout the day. Film 82 min. Age 15+ due to graphic content Free
MERCHANT CITY PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
Free
Sat 1 Aug 10.30am – 1.30pm Tron Theatre
GOMA’S ISLAND SUNDAY ADULT ART AFTERNOONS
Interested in Architecture? Join a free photography workshop, led by Glorious Glasgow photographer, Duncan McEwan. Presented by Doors Open Day.
Sun 26 July & Sun 2 Aug 1 – 3pm Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA)
Free Book in advance at www.doorsopenday.com
Pop by and play with art outdoors. Making is for everyone! Free
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ÀIRC III GAELIC CAFÉ/ CAFÉ GAIDHLIG
GAELIC ARTS
Street Lyrics
Portraits zu unseren Füßen Dealbhan aig ar casan Images at our feet Street Lyrics is a photographic exhibition and new publication of images from the street with poems interpreted into English and Gaelic from German. It offers a unique glimpse into the, often forgotten, industrial craftsmanship and unconventional beauty in creating street covers, an invisible art which we pass by daily without seeing its aesthetic value. Is e taisbeanadh dhealbhan a th’ ann an liricean Sràide agus foillseachadh ùr air ìomhaighean bhon t-sràid le dàin air an eadar-mhìneachadh gu Beurla agus Gàidhlig bho Ghearmailtis. Tha an taisbeanadh a’ tairgse sealladh gun choimeas air obairceàird gnìomhachasail, (glè thric air a dhol à cuimhne) agus bòidhchead neo-àbhaisteach ann an cruthachadh mhullaich saitseansgrùdaidh, ealain neo-fhaicsinneach air am bi sinn a’ dol seachad gach latha gun a bhith mothachail do a luach a thaobh tlachd.
Sat 25 July – Sun 2 Aug 10am – 6pm 14 Albion Street Street Lyrics will be launched and exhibited at Àirc, the Gaelic Cafe during the Merchant City Festival. [July 25th – August 3rd 2015]. The Gaelic Café is now a stalwart at the Festival and offers a hub for everyone interested in Gaelic and related Cultures and Language. Àirc will host the launch of the book, daily workshops and performances in German and Gaelic, a programme of workshops, taster sessions, films, poetry readings and performances related to Gaelic and German culture and linking urban spaces, design and the city. In parnership with the Goethe Institu and LearnGaelic.net Thèid Liricean Sràide fhoillseachadh agus a thaisbeanadh ann an Àirc, an Cafaidh Gàidhlig, aig àm Fèis Bhaile nam Marsantach [25 Iuchair – 3 Lùnastal 2015]. Tha an Cafaidh Gàidhlig fìor aithnichte a-nis aig an Fhèis, a‘ tairgse mòr-ionad do gach neach aig a bheil ùidh ann an Gàidhlig agus Cultaran is Cànanan co-cheangailte. Bheir Àirc aoigheachd do fhoillseachadh an leabhair, bùithtean-obrach làitheil agus coileanaidhean ann an Gearmailtis agus Gàidhlig, prògram de bhùithtean-obrach, seiseanan de bhlasad cànain, filmichean, leughaidhean bàrdachd agus coileanaidhean co-cheangailte ri cultar Gàidhlig is Gearmailtis agus a‘ ceangal ri farsaingeachd is dealbhadh bailteil agus am baile fhèin. Ann an com-pàirteachas le Goethe Institud agus LearnGaelic.net
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SPORT COME AND TRY WITH GLASGOW SPORT @ GEORGE SQUARE Sat 25 & Sun 26 July & Sat 1 & Sun 2 Aug 12 noon – 4pm George Square Join Glasgow Sport this summer at George Square and celebrate the anniversary and success of the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Visit the Glasgow Sport Arena, Skills Zones and have a go at the target cages, putting to the test your accuracy and speed with some of our sports challenges. No matter what your age come along and get involved in a selection of sports including, rugby, cycling, athletics, gymnastics and other fun activities. Free
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Uprooted
OTHER EVENTS
GREYFRIARS GARDEN OPEN DAYS & GARDEN DISCOVERY QUIZ Sat 25 & Sun 26 July/Sat 1 & Sun 2 Aug 10.30am – 4.30pm Shuttle Street Greyfriars Garden is a tranquil growing space and community garden located on the site of Glasgow's medieval Franciscan friary. Our Garden Discovery Quiz is a fun way to explore the garden 11am & 2pm each day.
THE LOST SOUP KITCHEN Sat 25 July Greyfriars Garden Carve your own spoon from locally sourced Scottish hardwoods, prepare soup and eat together. Age 12+, Free tickets available. Visit merchantcityfestival.com for information.
UPROOTED Sat 1 Aug 12 noon & 3pm Greyfriars Garden Unique outdoor theatre experience for families, fusing performance, music, living plants and innovative stage design by Eco Drama. Age 7+, Free
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MERCHANT SQUARE CRAFT & DESIGN FAIR
MARKETS The streets of the Merchant City will come alive with a colourful array of stalls offering tantalising tastes and quality crafts from across the world as well as local produce. Browse the crafts and merchandise on offer and take home some delicious treats. WORLD FOOD AND CRAFT MARKET SPECIALITY SCOTTISH MARKET ITALIAN MARKET Sat 25 July – Sun 1 Aug 10am – 9pm
Sat 25 & Sun 26 July – Merchant Square Sat 1 & Sun 2 Aug – Albion Street Merchant Square is home to a weekly Craft & Design Fair selling handmade goods from some of the finest crafters in Glasgow. Come along and enjoy browsing a host of stalls selling everything from candles, aromatherapy, photography, jewellery and lots more!
LOCAL BUSINESS MARKET Sat 25 July – Sun 2 Aug 10am – 9pm Bell Street between Candleriggs and Albion Street Showcasing businesses in the Merchant City and surrounding area providing high quality and authentic products. Supported by Year of Food & Drink.
URBAN MARKET Sun 2 Aug 12 – 5pm Drygate Brewery A curated market celebrating the curious, original and creative.
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MAP
BELL ST
16
13 15
3
8
11
KING ST
A
OSBOURNE ST
JOHN ST
HUTCHESON ST GARTH ST
INGRAM ST
BRUNSWICK ST
MILLER ST
HANOVER ST
17
QUEEN ST
BUCHANAN ST
OSBOURNE ST
VIRGINIA ST
STOCKWELL ST ARGYLE ST
WILSON ST
GLASSFORD ST
SOUTH FREDRICK ST
BRIDGE GATE
14
OSBOURNE ST
12
PARNIE ST
B 4
CANDLERIGGS
9
COCHRANE ST
GEORGE ST
CHISHOLM ST
10
5 2
20
BELL ST
1
ALBION ST
MONTROSE ST
TONTINE LANE
TRONGATE
WALLS ST
6
ALBION ST
SALTMARKET
7
BLACKFRIARS ST
18
SHUTTLE ST
19
HIGH ST
D
A B C
Tontine Lane
Merchant Square Emerging Talent
Blackfriars
Brunswick Street Live
STAGES
KEY
Meeting Point
20 Scottish Music Centre
19 Greyfriars Garden
17 Gallery of Modern Art 18 Strathclyde University Green
15 South Block 16 The Briggait
13 13th Note 14 Glasgow Music Studios
11 Graphical House Studios 12 Mono
9 Jasmine Thai Massage 10 Tron Theatre
8 Lost Baton Bearers
6 Haa Design 7 SCRA Windows
4 Blackfriars 5 Airc III Café Caidlig
2 Merchant Square 3 Candleriggs Square
1 Old Fruitmarket/City Halls
VENUES
Glasgow Gift Shop
Water Tap
Cash
Lost Children
First Aid
Baby Change
Accessible Toilet
Toilets
Parking
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FESTIVAL INFORMATION TRAVEL
ACCOMMODATION
Subway The easiest way to get around the City Centre and services run every 5 minutes during peak times. Nearest stations are Buchanan Street and St Enoch’s.
ACCESSIBILITY
We recommend that you travel to Merchant City Festival by public transport.
Train Nearest stations are Queen Street, High Street and Argyle Street. Please note that High Street station is not accessible for wheelchair users. Bus The city centre is served by various bus companies offering regular services throughout the Greater Glasgow network. Merchant City is approximately ten minute walk from Buchanan Street Bus Station. Virtually all First bus services have wheelchair access. To plan your journey via public transport, please visit travelinescotland.com or phone 0871 200 2233 (calls cost 10p per minute from BT Landlines (UK), charges from other providers or mobiles may vary). Taxi Glasgow Taxis operate throughout the city centre. There are taxi ranks situated at Queen Street station or you can phone to book on 0141 429 7070.
CAR PARKING
If you are bringing your car, there are several car parks in the surrounding areas. High Street, Duke Street, Albion Street, King Street and Glassford Street. Please see the map for locations. Prices vary. Please check with individual operators.
Looking for accommodation during the Festival? Visit www.peoplemakeglasgow.com for great accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets.
We aim to make Merchant City Festival accessible to all. Should you require this brochure in any other format, please contact 0141 287 8980. Accessible toilets are located throughout the area and within City Halls and Merchant Square, please see the map over.
INFORMATION
There will be information points located throughout the area during Merchant City Festival. Please look out for our team who will be on hand to help.
WATER
Bring your own bottle and fill up with fresh water at our free water point at the junction of Wilson St/Candleriggs.
RECYCLING
Merchant City Festival is supporting Glasgow’s Year of Green. Please help keep the city clean and dispose of your waste responsibly. Recycling points are available around the area.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Photographs will be taken throughout the event and may be used in future publicity. ALL INFORMATION CORRECT AT TIME OF PRINT. Events, tickets and offers are subject to change at the discretion of the participating businesses.
Merchantcityfestival.com
The Glasgow Gift Shop at Merchant City Festival Wilson St at Brunswick St
A selection of the finest gifts from the Glasgow Museums collections. Featuring exclusive Barrs Irn Bru merchandise.
Sat 25 July – Sun 2 August 10am – 9pm
10% off
all purchases with this advert
Glasgow has a fantastic year round calendar of events with something for everyone.
For more information visit people make glasgow.com/whatson
