If there’s one thing Glasgow’s West End does well, it’s bringing people together – and WestFest has quickly become the perfect excuse to do just that. Returning for its fourth year, the popular festival is back this June with its ‘biggest and most ambitious’ programme to date.
Running from 1st to 28th June, WestFest will host around 280 events across more than 60 venues, building on last year’s impressive turnout of over 110,000. What began in 2022 as a response to the loss of the West End Festival has grown into a major fixture in the city’s calendar – and one that really does have something for everyone.
Despite these impressive numbers and growing ambition, WestFest remains very much a community-led celebration. Festival Director Brendon McIlroy and the team at Halo Arts work closely with local residents and organisations to create a programme that reflects the character and diversity of the West End.
Brendon told us: “We’re really proud of what we’ve put together this year. It’s our biggest and most diverse programme yet, and it genuinely reflects the breadth of what the West End has to offer.”
And There’s More…
The free outdoor events are once again a major highlight – who doesn’t love something for nothing? The Big Sunday on Kelvin Way returns on 21st June, alongside favourites like the Vinicombe Street Gala, Midsummer Solstice Fire Show and Kelvingrove Outdoor Ceilidh.
This year also sees new additions to the programme, including The Stand Comedy Club joining the line-up, alongside an expanded live music offering. There’s a strong cultural mix too, from Bard in the Botanics performances to heritage talks at Kelvin Hall.
2026 is a big year for Glasgow, with the Commonwealth Games taking place just a month later, with this in mind, the festival will also tie into the city’s wider Commonwealth celebrations.
If you’re looking for something to do as the weather starts to improve, then check out the website today! With so much on offer – and all of it shaped by the people who live and work in the West End – WestFest looks set to be another roaring success.
For more festivals in Glasgow, events this Summer, visit –
