Added on Friday 27 Apr 2012

WEF introduces a series of 'mini-festivals' and 400 events

The 17th annual West End Festival the biggest festival in Glasgow's calendar has just been launched with a programme of 400 events taking place across the west end of Glasgow, including a series of 'mini-festivals'.

Established in 1996, the independent cultural Festival draws a strong crowd each year of around 100,000, to enjoy a mix of both free and ticketed events, from music, theatre and comedy to family days, guided walks and children's events to be held in 80 venues throughout the west end.

It will run from 1-24 June, bringing together the entire business and residential community to generate a hugely positive economic impact for the city of Glasgow. Previous years have resulted in over £1m in sales for the wider Glasgow economy.

Support continues from Glasgow City Council and, in this 'Year of Creative Scotland', the Festival will also work closely with Creative Scotland. The Gibson Street Gala, the Glasgow Mela and The Cottier Chamber Project - the largest chamber music festival in the UK, will also form part of the Festival line-up.

New partners this year are Stow College, where Festival organisers will work closely with students on a variety of educational and practical initiatives. 5pm.co.uk is also partnering with the Festival, bringing the economic benefits to local restaurants whilst working together to promote the west end.

Ticketed events will be sold online and on occasions at the door. Full details of where to buy tickets are included in the brochure and online. Some venues are selling tickets at reduced prices to attract the student and family market.

Elizabeth Scobie, chairman of the West End Festival commented:

"As ever we are extremely grateful for the support of all those involved and to our sponsors - the festival would not be in its 17th year without them. Now Glasgow's largest and most dynamic cultural event, we hope residents from all over the city and beyond will take every opportunity to attend as many events as possible."

A special fundraiser event will also take place on 18, May at the Glasgow University Union with the theme of 'Strictly West End' and a performance from the Glasgow University Big Band. Another first, the 'Best Dressed Window' competition will be set to encourage community spirit and involvement.