22 May 2025
More than £60,000 awarded to established and local groups to support a varied programme of events and activities across the city.
The Glasgow Jazz Festival, Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival and WestFest are among recipients of the second phase of the one-off Glasgow 850 Festival Fund.
Five organisations that stage annual city events received a total of £25,000 to add value to their existing offerings by including additional programming that celebrates and showcases the richness and diversity of Glasgow talent, engages young people in the city and delivers community outreach activity.
The 39th Glasgow Jazz Festival (18-22 June), held will enhance its annual programme by offering five special free and discounted afternoon events over their weekend, 21/22 June. Saturday will see free children’s workshops in the Royal Concert Hall and a free live jazz afternoon in the Pearce Institute. Discounted tickets at the exclusive price of £8.50 are also available for an audience request performance with Brian Kellock in the Royal Concert Hall and a showcase of new jazz talent at St. Luke’s, on Sunday 22 June.
Jill Rodger, Director of Glasgow Jazz Festival, said: “As Glasgow’s longest running festival, we’re incredibly excited to be part of the Glasgow 850 celebrations and mark this milestone moment for our vibrant home city, known for its rich musical heritage and diversity. This support from Glasgow 850 has allowed us to expand our festival programme and stage a series of weekend afternoon events which bring the joyful spirit of jazz to children, reach new audiences in Govan, and celebrate Glasgow’s role as a thriving hub and destination for Scottish and international jazz talent to collaborate and flourish. We look forward to bringing it all to life for audiences at our 39th edition this June.”
At the end of October, the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival will incorporate two new activies as part of their work to mark Glasgow 850. Moving Minds will be a family-friendly event celebrating diversity and wellbeing, produced with diverse communities in Glasgow, with a focus on marginalised people and those at most risk of developing poor mental health. It is also proposed to bring together local artists and organisations to connect and celebrate Glasgow 850 at existing festival activities. These will look to bring the festival to new audiences in the city.
Recipients, who could bid for up to £5,000 each, include:
• WestFest – The Big Gala: A vibrant community celebration in the West End featuring live music, stalls, and family-friendly activities.
• The Glasgow Jazz Festival – A Weekend of Jazz: A special edition of Glasgow’s longest-running music festival, spotlighting the city’s jazz heritage.
• Scottish Mental Health Foundation – Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival: A citywide programme using the arts to explore mental health, with a dedicated Glasgow 850 strand.
• University of Glasgow – Glasgow Science Festival: Engaging science events for all ages, celebrating Glasgow’s contributions to innovation and discovery.
• Take Me Somewhere Festival: A cutting-edge performance festival bringing international and local artists together to reflect on Glasgow’s identity.
Local groups and organisations have also benefitted to the tune of £35,000 this year, through the Glasgow 850 Celebration Fund. The fund has awarded smaller community grants of up to £850 to 44 grassroots projects, ensuring every ward in the city is represented.
Groups awarded the small grants include:
• Annexe Communities – Bigger Partick Picnic: A community picnic with music and games in Partick East/Kelvindale.
• GAMSCA – Cultural Festival: A celebration of Gambian and African culture in Springburn/Robroyston.
• Girlguiding Glasgow – Glasgow 850 Challenge Pack: A citywide activity pack for young people to explore Glasgow’s history and landmarks.
• Sunny Govan Radio – Elder Park Festival: A local music and arts festival in Govan, celebrating community voices.
• Friends of Crookston Castle – Archaeology Study & Open Day: A heritage event exploring one of Glasgow’s oldest sites.
• The Children’s Wood – 10th Birthday Party: A nature-based celebration in Maryhill with storytelling and outdoor play.
• Provan Hall Trust – Medieval Day: A historical re-enactment and family day in the North East.
• Scottish Music Centre – Space to Showcase: A platform for emerging Glasgow musicians in Anderston/Yorkhill.
• Paragon Music – Glasgow 850 Music Festival: Inclusive music-making workshops and performances in the North East.
• Protests and Suffragettes – Mother Glasgow: A creative project exploring women’s roles in shaping the city’s history.
Other events include tea dances, gala days, storytelling sessions, community barbecues, and arts exhibitions – all designed by and for local people.
Leader of Glasgow City Council, Councillor Susan Aitken, said; “Glasgow 850 is a celebration of our city’s past, present and future – and it’s the people of Glasgow who are making it their own. These events, both large and small, reflect the pride, creativity and community spirit define how people feel about their city and how they want to mark the year. With this money we’ve been able to support such a wide range of activities that will bring people together in every part of the city.”
For more information please visit glasgow850.com.
