Govan Music Festival has wrapped up in Glasgow after four joyful days of music and community participation, showcasing themes of hope, renewal and connection across its programme.
The fourth edition of the grassroots Glasgow event featured around 300 musicians and participants representing a kaleidoscope of musical genres, from indie and world music to classical, Flamenco and hip-hop.
People from the local community and across the city came together in the Glasgow district on the rise, to experience the regenerative spirit of this independent event.
Running from 26 to 29 March, the festival aimed to make music accessible to all with the majority of performances priced between £1 and £5, while events like Freed Up – a sober event for the recovery community – ensured everyone had a safe space to celebrate.
The diversity of the festival’s programme showcased the rich creativity that Govan has to offer. Highlights included a captivating World Music Night at Govan and Linthouse Parish Church featuring Glasgow singer-songwriter Ant Thomaz, headline sets from acclaimed local artists Becci Wallace and Steg G who launched their new album, and a free Govan Schools Concert which brought together pupils from schools across Govan to share music with one another.
With the new Govan-Partick Bridge granting easier access for visitors, the festival attracted its widest audience yet, while reinforcing Govan’s position as a dynamic and growing cultural hub within Glasgow.
Paul MacAlindin, Artistic Director of The Glasgow Barons and Govan Music Festival, said: “Govan Music Festival aims to be a real catalyst for creativity and renewal in the area and as we close the curtain on our fourth edition, it feels like we’ve cemented our place as a vital cultural event in Glasgow and Scotland’s arts calendar. Govan was absolutely buzzing with beats of all different kinds, celebrating not only the immense talent within our community, but the meaningful connections and inspiration to be found in venues on our doorstep. There was a real sense of pride, inclusion and spirit among musicians and audiences alike and I would like to thank everyone who joined us, got behind this year’s festival and made it such a success.”
Govan Music Festival is organised by The Glasgow Barons, Glasgow’s regeneration orchestra, and is supported by the National Lottery through Creative Scotland.
