New: Photos of 2004 street parade.

Thursday, 10th June - Sunday, 27th June, 2004

Roy Beers Reporting on the start of the West End Festival

One of the Glasgow's most exciting events will be underway very soon. The 9th West End Festival kicks off on the 10th June, 2004 and runs until 27th June - the programme is spectacular, offering over 500 events. There will be hugely varied musical extravaganza, with something for every taste.Capercaillie will be kicking off the show on the 10th at Oran Mor, our wonderful new arts venue, which will offer a Celebration of Scotland.

Oran Mor will play a key role in this year's festival and they have some great acts lined up, including: The Peatbog Faeries, Todd Gordon's "Sinatra Years", Eliza Carthy with Heather McLeod, La Sonera Calaveras, the Trashcan Sinatras, Karen Dunbar with the Cellers, Karine Polwart with Rab Noakes and will end the festival with Martin Taylor and Eric Roche.
West End Festival - Music at Oran Mor

Glasgow University will also open its doors to the public and there are some great events lined up with Alan Watt and The City of Glasgow Symphony orchestra performing at the Gala Opening Concert on Saturday, 12th June. The beautiful Bute Hall will make a glorious setting for a concert featuring William Walton's great oratorio 'Belshazzar's Feast' and Verdi's 'Four Sacred Pieces'.

There will be plenty of theatrical events to enjoy, including, Guy Masterson's highly acclaimed production of Under Milk Wood at the University's Gilmorehill G12 Theatre. A major attraction is also bound to be 'The Bridge', Boilerhouse Theatre's epic which is a free event in Kelvingrove Park.

Another crowd puller is sure to be the free concert from Belle and Sebastian and Friends at the Botanics on Saturday, 12 June at 3.00 p.m.

Cottier's have a great programme lined up - I particularly fancy catching Michael Marra and Liz Lochhead in their show "In Flagrant Delicht" also the legendary Bert Jansch.

There will be lots of community events - book up immediately for the wonderful west end walks as these sell out quickly. For those of you interested in beauty, history and architecture they are a must. You can find out all about 'Gardens of the West End', 'Alexander 'Greek' Thomson'or 'Saint Vincent Crescent'. Gordon Urquhart, author of 'Along Great Western Road' will introduce you to some of Glasgow's finest Victorian architecture on the 'West End Victoriana' Walk.

Another favourite activity at the Festival is taking a look at Paintings on Railings - nice and handy for the Botanics - try and have a chat with Lynne Scobbie a longstanding supportr of the West End Festival with the only all year round event.

The Libraries will also participate in the Festival with a very interesting programme including an opportunity to see the treasures of the Mitchell Library.

Ashton Lane will be livlier than ever with great acts lined up at Brel, Cul de Sac and a programme of film at The Grosvenor. The Opening Party will take place at The Loft on Sunday 13th from 6.00 p.m.

It is going to be amazing and the highlight will be the Midsummer Carnival on Sunday, 13th June, with parade from Botanics starting at 3.00 p.m. and Street Party in Byres Road. The Street Party is sponsored by Whyte and Mackay.

Programme Details