Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival kicks off as Lord Provost receives key to the city

Glasgow is set to come alive as the highly anticipated Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival commences, marking the official start of a week-long celebration of the city's rich architectural heritage.

Article Source: Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival
Last Updated: 6 September 2023 13:59

Image Credit: Alexander James-Aylin
Left – David Cook, Director of Glasgow Building Preservation Trust
Middle – Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren - Glasgow City Council
Right – Stephen Sheriff, Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival Coordinator

This morning, in a symbolic ceremony at the Britannia Panopticon, the world's oldest surviving music hall and one of the buildings included in this year’s programme, Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren was presented with the ceremonial key to the city to celebrate the start of the festival.

Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival, which forms part of the Glasgow Building Preservation Trust's (GBPT) 40th-anniversary celebrations and has been coordinated by the Trust since 1990, will kick off on Monday, September 11th. The festival offers an exclusive opportunity to explore some of Glasgow's most treasured and historically significant buildings.

From September 11th to 17th, festival attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a series of heritage talks, exhibitions, and tours, all centered around the theme of 'The Sensory City.' Inspired by the acclaimed poet Liz Lochhead and her poem 'A Glasgow nonsense rhyme for Molly,' this year's festival will delve into the non-visual senses, exploring touch, taste, sound, and smell and their profound influence on our experiences of the city.

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore more than 100 buildings open to the public and immerse themselves in an exciting lineup of over 100 trails, tours, and special events, all for free. For those seeking an alternative experience, digital trails, films, and resources will be available online.

The festival hub for the second consecutive year will be hosted at the University of Glasgow's new flagship research building, the Advanced Research Centre (the ARC). The ARC will serve as a dynamic venue for talks, activities, and exhibitions throughout the festival.

Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren, upon receiving the ceremonial key at the Britannia Panopticon, expressed her excitement about the festival's launch and its role in showcasing Glasgow's remarkable architectural heritage. She said: “We are thrilled to continue our support for the Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival for another year. Our collaboration with the Glasgow Building Preservation Trust and the Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival underscores Glasgow City Council's dedication to preserving the rich historical heritage of our beloved city.

“This year's festival holds special significance as it coincides with the 40th anniversary of the Glasgow Building Preservation Trust, providing us with an opportunity to reflect on the Trust's profound impact on Glasgow's communities throughout the past four decades.

“We wholeheartedly encourage all Glasgow residents to deepen their connection with our city, immersing themselves in its vibrant history and promising future by attending the diverse array of events featured in this year's festival programme.”

In addition to celebrating the city's vibrant sensory landscape, the festival will also provide a platform to honour GBPT's lasting impact on preserving Glasgow's architectural heritage. A special talk and film screening at the festival hub (the ARC) titled "It'll Be Great When It's Finished" will showcase the Trust's remarkable 40-year journey. This journey has involved the rescue and repurposing of Glasgow's historic buildings, featuring key projects from the Briggait to the West Boathouse on Glasgow Green.

David Cook, Director of Glasgow Building Preservation Trust said: “We’re delighted to have the continued support of the Lord Provost and Glasgow City Council for this year’s Glasgow’s Doors Open Days Festival. This year’s festival promises an unforgettable week of discovery and appreciation for the city's history, culture, and significance. Whether you are a resident or a visitor, this event is an opportunity to forge a deeper connection with Glasgow’s past and present. We, at Glasgow Building Preservation Trust, are excited about the prospect of continuing our mission for another 40 years - rescuing and repurposing historic buildings across the city, while positively influencing the community and the city as a whole.”

For more information, event schedules, and booking details, please visit www.glasgowdoorsopendays.org.uk

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