Govanhill International Festival 2021

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Govanhill International Festival 2021

2nd – 15th August, 2021

The Govanhill International Festival and Carnival is back: bigger, brighter and bolder than ever before!

Now in its fifth year, the festival began in 2016 as an antidote to racism towards migrant communities from Eastern Europe in Govanhill. It started as a carnival, parade and weekend of music, aiming to celebrate the diversity of the area and combat division and hate. It has since grown into a beautiful, two week extravaganza, embodying the richness and diversity of the flourishing arts and culture scene in Govanhill.

This programme features over fifty events (DOWNLOAD PDF) – including talks, music, workshops, film, exhibitions, theatre, heritage events and guided walks. The Carnival and Parade will return after its hiatus in 2020, and once again there will be a Street Music Festival after its resounding popularity last year.

Safety is still paramount, and all events will adhere to Covid-19 government guidelines. Social distancing will be put in place and all events being held indoors, or confined outdoor spaces, will be limited to manageable numbers. It is important that the festival is as inclusive, accessible and family friendly as possible, so all events are free unless otherwise stated. Come early as due to social distancing numbers may require to be capped.

At its heart, the Govanhill International Festival and Carnival is, and will always be, an anti-racist festival: celebrating the contributions immigrants have made to a community that is home to people of 40+ nationalities speaking 60+ languages. They are proud to live in Govanhill and proud of its diversity, heritage and history, and the GIFC is a declaration of that. So join the people to celebrate five years of the GIFC, and to celebrate Govanhill!