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Glasgow event Hoolie in the Hydro to honour Billy Connolly

Glasgow event Hoolie in the Hydro to honour Billy Connolly

Glasgow Times03-05-2025
This year's Hoolie in the Hydro, titled The Big Yin, will take place on Saturday, December 13.
A cast of musicians will pay tribute to Sir Billy, his humour, and his love for folk music at the OVO Hydro.
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The tribute to the Glasgow icon will form the finale of the night, with artists performing some of Billy's most popular songs, such as I Wish I Was in Glasgow and Glasgow Central.
Sir Billy was a key figure in the Glasgow folk scene in the 1960s, regularly playing sessions in the Scotia Bar and releasing music as one half of the Humblebums.
His renowned banjo and folk roots have played an important role throughout his career.
(Image: Gary Innes)
Gary Innes, broadcaster, and musician, and organiser of Hoolie in the Hydro, said: "Billy Connolly is a true Glasgow and Scottish hero and his big personality, love for folk music and the joy of people coming together to have a great time, really made him the perfect inspiration for this year's Hoolie in the Hydro.
"It's 60 years since Billy formed the Humblebums and 2025 is Glasgow's 850th birthday – as one of the city's great success stories and most famous sons, we just had to tip our hat to the Big Yin."
Aly Bain, a famous Scottish fiddler who played alongside Sir Billy for years, will take part in the tribute.
He said: "Billy and I started our careers on a motorbike with a sidecar, and things only got better from there.
"Since then, Billy and I have shared over 50 years of friendship and countless great memories.
"He's a very special man and friend, and I'm really looking forward to celebrating the incredible life and times of my old pal at the Hydro."
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Now in its fourth year, Hoolie in the Hydro has gained a reputation as the world's biggest ceilidh and is once again set to feature a line-up from across Scotland's vibrant folk and traditional music scene.
The event will feature performances from the Elephant Sessions, Trail West, Mànran, and Beluga Lagoon.
More information about this year's Hoolie in the Hydro can be found on the Ovo Hydro website.
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