West End Festival
10 - 26 June 2005
The West End Festival, with over 400 events in two weeks, is now the biggest cultural event in Glasgow's calendar. In 2004, 50,000 people came to the Whyte & Mackay Street Party, 12,000 people enjoyed the Belle and Sebastian free concert in the Botanic Gardens and audiences topped 100,000 over the two week period. This year sees the festival build on last year’s successes.
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We've highlighted some of the events taking place during the Festival but there's a whole lot more to choose from!
You can find full details online or pick up the Festival Brochure from Festival venues, libraries and the Tourist Board in George Square. | |
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The Whyte & Mackay Street Party on 12 June will feature more live music than ever on four stages.
The opening parade will bring over 400 musicians and performers onto the streets, including first time appearances from the sensational Brighton-based Barulho and Cumbria-based The Barracudas. Further street parties are planned for subsequent weekends. |
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Highlights this year include an extensive music programme at Òran Mór. Enjoy three late night candlelit recitals involving solo piano and song by Brahms, Schumann, Chopin and others - soprano Michelle Foster joins renowned pianist Graeme McNaught in the opening chapter. The auditorium in Oran Mor will play host to Stephen Duffy, one of Scotland’s most accomplished jazz singers, as he pays tribute to his heroine, Ella Fitzgerald, by performing her songs in his own personal, swinging style. He leads a five-piece band with guest saxophonist Ryan Quigley and the Sandy Taylor Trio. This event is part of the Royal Bank Glasgow Jazz Festival in association with the West End Festival.
The popular McEwan’s Sessions at the West End Festival return this year with a chance to catch, amongst others, Capercaillie, The Vatersay Boys, and the Peatbog Faeries. One year after the first successful Fête de La Musique in Glasgow, this year’s event will have a unique Franco-German touch, in association with the Alliance Francaise and Goethe Institut.
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West End Festival has doubled in size over the last three years and planning is already underway for the celebration of their 10th anniversary in 2006. Festival Director Michael Dale says 'We go into our 10th year in a strong position. There are more events than ever in every category'.
As well as funding from Glasgow City Council and the National Lottery through the Scottish Arts Council, this year sees a record amount of support from sponsors including principal sponsor, socialanimal.co.uk and media sponsor, the Evening Times. |
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All images Jim Byrne, Martin Gray and Michael Dale. Courtesy of West End Festival. |