June is here. Halfway through the year already – and in Glasgow’s West End, that can only mean
one thing: WestFest is back.
By Eva Curran
With more than 300 events taking place across 60 venues, WestFest has quickly become one of
the biggest highlights of the summer calendar. Despite only launching in 2022, the festival has
already welcomed more than 110,000 visitors, bringing together locals, students, families and
visitors to celebrate everything that makes the West End such a special part of the city. From
comedy and theatre to heritage talks, mindfulness sessions and outdoor performances, there’s
genuinely something for everyone.
If you’re not sure where to begin, don’t worry. Hello, I’m Eva, self-proclaimed West Ender, and
here’s my guide to some of the events you definitely shouldn’t miss this month. Although with a
programme this packed, it’s worth having a proper browse yourself too. Chances are you’ll find
something that is unexpectedly right up your street.
Off with a Bang
To kick things off, WestFest begins with opening street parties across Ashton Lane and
Vinicombe Street on 30 and 31 May. Expect BBQs, live music, and guaranteed good vibes. It
always feels like the perfect way to start the month, with the whole community spilling outdoors
and making the most of the longer evenings. One thing Glasgow always does well is bringing
people together, and nowhere feels that more than the West End in summer. The Vinicombe
Street Gala is another WestFest favourite, bringing together the local community with
entertainment, food and plenty happening throughout the day. It’s one of those events that
captures exactly what the festival is all about.
One of the biggest highlights has to be the Kelvingrove Outdoor Ceilidh on 7 June at 2pm.
Whether you know every step or none at all, ceilidhs always end up being brilliant fun. There’s
something about dancing outdoors in front of Kelvingrove Art Gallery that feels very Glasgow.
Don’t worry if you haven’t been to a ceilidh (which consists of lively dancing along to traditional
Scottish music), the locals will be more than happy to teach you!
The Theatre, The Theatre…
For theatre lovers, Bard in the Botanics returns with Othello and Twelfth Night. Watching
Shakespeare outdoors in the Botanics always feels magical. Art lovers should make time for
Paintings on Railings, taking place every weekend throughout June, also in the Botanics. Local
artists display paintings, ceramics, jewellery and handmade pieces along the railings,
transforming a walk through the West End into an open-air gallery.
For anyone interested in local history, Kelvin Hall is hosting a series of free heritage talks
covering everything from the history of Byres Road to the influence of Charles Rennie
Mackintosh on the West End. They’re free to attend, just book ahead. Looking to try something
new? There’s the Poetry Experiment at the Alchemy Experiment, plus free taster meditationsessions at the Kadampa Meditation Centre if you’re after a slower pace and a little calm in the
middle of a busy month. And of course, favourites like Play, Pie and a Pint continue to bring
colour and creativity throughout June.
Sun Sets on the Festival
Then there’s the Solstice Fire Show on 20 June, set against the backdrop of Kelvingrove. Expect
theatre, circus, music and an incredible fire performance – and it’s completely free. Later in the
month, on 28 June, the much-loved Vintage Bus Service returns. I hopped onboard last year and
ended up riding through to the Riverside Museum, where you can admire even more vintage
transport. It’s a fun way to see the city and a lovely bit of nostalgia. A must-do!
WestFest is the perfect excuse to explore more of the area, try something new, and appreciate the
incredible mix of people and places right on our doorstep. One thing we can all agree on? The
West End is class. And WestFest is one of the best reminders of exactly why.
For more information –
