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This year’s West End Festival – 2014 brochure launch

Launch of West End Festival Programme 2014, Kibble Palace, 28th June.

Jim and I met up for minestrone soup and a pizza slice in Little Italy and then had a stroll around the Botanics before heading into the Kibble Palace for the launch of this year’s West End Festival brochure.

It was a very friendly gathering and the festival looks set to be a cracker. The festival team were in particularly good spirits, with both Michael Dale, Director, and Liz Scobie, Chairperson, sounding full of optimism and looking splendid in sensational jackets.

I was also delighted to meet up with Alan Horn, who has just joined the Board of Directors. Now Director of Development at Glasgow School of Art, Alan  played a key role in the refurbishment of Kelvingrove. Gregarious, smart and full of enthusiasm, he is bound to be a tremendous asset.

I also had a quick chat with Andy Saunders, who is the Artistic Director with the fabulous The Cottier Chamber Project. This has been part of the WEF since 2011 and this year looks particularly exciting, including the new Cottier Dance Project.

Claire from The Gatsby Club, Scotland’s largest 1920’s themed cabaret and club night, was doing a marvellous job welcoming everyone. This year’s event, which she has helped to organise, is: Bright Young Things on Saturday 7th June at Glasgow University Union.

When Jim and I sat on a bench to take in the scene and enjoy a glass of sparkling San Pellegrino, we were joined by Richard Roberts, who is behind Russkaya Capella, which includes Russian Folk and Church Music.  A workshop at 2.30 p.m. will be followed by a concert at 7.30 p.m. in Hyndland Parish Church on Saturday 7th June.

Other familiar faces I saw among the crowd were Ann Laird, who will take people on a guided walk of The Quirky West End on Friday 6th June, and Eric Kay, of Gibson Street Gala, which will kick off the festival on the 1st June.

I caught up with Teresa Low, who will again be responsible for the Authors and Late Literary programme at Cottiers. Watch out for The Sceptre Prizewinners from Glasgow University Creative Writing Programme, 6th June, (I have friends among them) and other great events including Liz Lochhead – Mary Queen of Scots Got Her Head Chopped Off, 13th June.

The Mardi Gras Parade will be on Byres Road on 8th June, starting 12 noon at Botanic Gardens. The Street Party will continue until 7 p.m.

This year the Mela is on for two days, 7th and 8th, June, in Kelvingrove Park, and you’ll be able to catch Bollywood style performances in the newly refurbished Kelvingrove Bandstand.

Once I have an opportunity to absorb the brochure I will add further information and highlights. It’s looking exceptionally good so far. You can pick your copies up in the local libraries and shops or DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL BROCHURE (PDF)

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