A new cultural and community festival is set to hit the West End this June
The first ever WestFest will take place from Friday 2nd to Sunday 25th June, delivering a wide array of high quality, vibrant and inclusive events to the area.
Article Source: WestFest
Last Updated: 20 January 2023 9:49
Image Credit: Gavin Peter McCourt
It's anticipated that over 200 events will take place across 60 venues, featuring a colourful mix of concerts, performances, recitals, galas and exhibitions; across music, theatre, comedy & visual art. You can also expect lots of special highlights such as a talks and authors’ programme and the Make Music Day programme on 21st June.
The jewel in the festival’s crown will be the free programme of community events across the West End, such as The Big Sunday at Kelvingrove Bandstand, Vinicombe Street Gala, Bard in the Yard @ Kelvingrove Park, the Mansfield Park Street Festival & the ever popular annual Queen Margaret Drive Festival.
In addition look out for superb fire shows, outdoor ceilidhs, choral events, brass band concerts and lots more- all free and under the colourful umbrella of WestFest
WestFest’s Director is Brendon McIlroy who founded the festival in response to ‘overwhelming demand’ for community and cultural events in the West End, in the absence of former festivals
Brendon says: “Its hugely exciting that we are finally able to launch WestFest this year. It’s been four years since there was a proper festival in the West End and after a very challenging few years people need events, arts and culture in their lives more than ever.”
“The terrific attendance and overwhelmingly positive feedback we’ve received for our events last year, demonstrates more than ever that there is a big demand for accessible events and activities in the West End. It would be hugely disappointing if there wasn't some form of festival again this year.”
“At the end of the day this is all about responding to community need and giving people what they want. Events programmes are becoming increasingly difficult to deliver in light of funding cuts and if WestFest don’t fill the void- who will?’ People need a bit of levity and fun in their lives more than ever and we are uniquely placed to deliver that.”
As well as their events programme, WestFest has a commitment to outreach and education with a range of workshops and projects planned with community groups and a schools book programme which has been ongoing since October last year.
The festival officially launches on Friday 20th January and anyone who wants to run an event as part of the festival is encouraged to get in touch via www.westfest.uk
WestFest will distribute 50,000 free A5 brochures throughout the central belt in April featuring all event listings as well as promoting events via a new listings website and social media platforms
The WestFest hub will also launch in March where the team will be offering advice and support on everything participants might need for their events from marketing and event planning to insurance and budgeting.
More information on WestFest and how to register your event is available on www.westfest.uk
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