What SOn ,
I Film
Around Town
Up river city
Ahead of the fifth annual Glasgow River Festival, Eve Barlow discovers why the nautical look is big this year.
It. the Clyde. Major ship-building site of the
British limpire. foundation of the River City.
and. er. belly dancing venue'.’ It‘s an awful lot of work for one river this fortnight. as the fifth annual (ilasgow River Festival rolls around. The Festival has rapidly become one of the biggest events in (ilasgow‘s cultural calendar: they're expecting a record number of visitors this year and have pumped tip the programme of aqua-tastic activities accordingly.
The idea behind the Festival is to renew and reinvent the Clyde‘s importance to the city. ‘The River Clyde was always the beating heart of our city. and now it‘s being regenerated.‘ says Baillie l.i/. Cameron. former l.ord Provost of the city. now an organiser of the River Festival. ‘lt's an imperative part of (ilasgow’s future success. so it‘s really important that the festival is this vibrant entity.~ And following (ilasgow‘s success in winning the hid to host the 201-1 Commonwealth (iames. the organisers intend to celebrate .
"l‘he symbolic things are important. but mostly we want families to have a wonderful weekend. The Festival highlights the number of ways that we can enjoy our river.~ says Cameron. They‘ve certainly found a large number of watery wonders to pack in.
as the area around the Tall Ship and Pacific Quay will be crammed with events.
New this year is Seaforce. a powerboat training school. while those who prefer to be driven can feel the wind in their hair as returning favourite the Zapcat (don‘t worry. it’s a speed boat) whiz/es them downstream. Those who prefer their aquatic action a little more sedate can hop on for a tour of one of the
many visiting -— anchored — ships instead. And if
messing about in boats doesn't. er. float your boat. there‘s plenty to do onshore.
‘You name it. we‘ve got it.’ says Cameron. ‘BBC Scotland will have a marquee bursting with activity. People can read the news with the Reporting Scotland presenters. or pretend to football coinmentate.‘ Meanwhile. the Royal Marines are promising an abseiling display down the (ilasgow Tower. and those feeling the Olympic fever can watch the Scottish Masters Volleyball 'l‘ournament on a man—made beach at the SliCC. There will be bellydancing classes on the Quay. which Cameron herself has promised to take part in. ()h. and almost all the events are free. so get down there and throw yourself in. Not literally.
Glasgow River Festival, Sat 19 8- Sun 20 Jul. See www.gIasgowriverfestival.co.uk
I Books Clubs Comedy 40
I LGBT
30 l Kids 59 33 B Music 62 I Theatre 81 43 I TV 85 58 I Visual Art 86
www.list.co.uk/aroundtowni
* Afr-I-Can Workshops, talks and concerts led by artists of African origin. See picture caption, page 28. Kelvingrove Museum, Glasgow, Sat 79 8 Wed 23 Jul.
* Rat Race Crazed athletic lycra—clad urban adventure happening all across Edinburgh. See Activities. page 14. City Centre, Edinburgh, Sat 79 & Sun 20 Jul.
* The Golden Hour Another lovely messy cabaret night at the Forest. with music, spoken word, visuals and the odd cartoon. It's free. but BYOB. Forest Cafe’, Edinburgh, Wed 23 Jul.
* Mardi Gras Get your be- boppin’ bayou mojo rising, as the Grassmarket channels New Orleans for an afternoon. Parades. bands (pictured), and general swinging. Oh yeah. Grassmarket, Edinburgh, Sat 26 Jul
* Glasgow Show
Glasgow's biggest outdoor event rolls around again, promising live music, food, and zones dedicated to extreme sports, aerial acrobatic displays, and something called the Swampthing Monster Truck. Mummy, we're scared. Glasgow Green, Sat 26 & Sun 27 Jul.
* Big Tent Festival
Proper eco-fest that puts Glastonbury to shame. See picture caption, page 29. Falkland Palace, Cupar, Sat 26 8. Sun 27 Jul
17~Ill Jul 2008 THE LIST 27