Latest news with #BailieAnnetteChristie
Glasgow Times
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Merchant City Festival draws 40,000 to Glasgow streets
The 2025 event, which took place from Friday, July 18 to Sunday, July 20, featured a range of performances from local, national, and international artists across various disciplines, including art, comedy, circus, dance, and live music. One of the highlights this year was the street theatre, which was particularly popular with festivalgoers. (Image: Supplied) The shows featured international acrobat group Be Flat, aerial duo Now and Then, and dance piece Exposed: From Clubs to Open Air. The street theatre was delivered by Surge Festival and supported by a Four Nations Bursary aimed at helping artists create new outdoor works. Read more: Scottish football insider predicts Champions League fate for Rangers There was also strong support for musical acts such as Sacred Paws, kitti, and community band Brass, Aye? at The Social Hub Stage. The 2025 festival kicked off with a day of music, storytelling, and a mass participation ceilidh which saw people dance up and down Brunswick Street as part of Glasgow's 850th birthday celebrations. (Image: Supplied) Other Glasgow 850 celebrations at the festival included Through the Ages walking tours of the Cathedral Precinct and High Street, and Glasgow Women's Library-guided walks. The weekend also saw Merchant Square host free family days with ceilidhs, crafts, and activities led by Unicorn Dance Party. (Image: Supplied) Bailie Annette Christie, chair of Glasgow Life and Convenor for Culture, Sport and International Relations for Glasgow City Council, said: "The [[Merchant City]] Festival makes for a wonderful weekend of entertainment and this year's event demonstrated why it's become such a popular part of Glasgow's cultural events calendar. "The 2025 Merchant City Festival took on extra significance as it also helped Glasgow to mark its 850th anniversary year in spectacular style.' Julie Edwin, director of Asset Management at Merchant Square, said: "Merchant Square was buzzing throughout the weekend, with a packed programme of family entertainment during the day and a lively ceilidh every evening, all taking place in our historic courtyard. (Image: Supplied) "Alongside the festival events, Merchant Square offered guests a fantastic choice of places to eat, drink, and play. "With the new venues we've recently added to our line-up and something for everyone to enjoy, it was one of our most exciting festival weekends yet.' The festival was one of seven successful Creative Scotland Multi-Year Funding 2025-28 applications made by Glasgow Life. (Image: Supplied) Lorna Duguid, multi-artform manager at Creative Scotland, said: "In this landmark year marking Glasgow's 850th birthday, it's fantastic to see the continued popularity and strong public support for the [[Merchant City]] Festival, a much-loved highlight of the city's summer calendar. "With a vibrant programme offering something for all ages, and as a recent recipient of Multi-Year Funding from Creative Scotland, the festival remains a vital platform for Scottish artists to showcase their work and connect with audiences right in the heart of Glasgow.'
Glasgow Times
17-06-2025
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
Scotstoun Stadium to undergo work for Commonwealth Games
Scotstoun Stadium is set for some 'major upgrades' before the event kicks off in the city next July. The first phase of the project began on Monday, June 16 and is starting with the installation of a new world-class athletics track. It will run until September 5. (Image: Glasgow 2026) The West and East temporary stands will be removed during this time to allow access to the track. They will later be reinstated for the start of the Glasgow Warriors competitive season in September 2025. Scotstoun Stadium was picked as the venue to host Athletics based on its existing infrastructure and the minimal venue readiness work and overlay required to deliver a 'world-class' competition. READ NEXT: Popular Glasgow city centre venue goes up for sale The track will be gifted to the city as part of the legacy of Glasgow 2026. Chair of Glasgow Life, Bailie Annette Christie, said: 'The new track being installed at Scotstoun Stadium represents a significant and welcome investment in Glasgow by the Glasgow 2026 Organising Company ahead of the Games next year. 'The new track will mean athletes of all ages across Glasgow can train and compete like the best athletics stars in the world and will be a legacy for the city for years to come.' (Image: Glasgow 2026) It comes ahead of Glasgow hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games, which will take place between July 23 and August 6. This will feature a packed 10-sport programme across four of the city's iconic sporting venues. READ NEXT: Former student union building to be transformed as plans approved More than 3000 athletes from 74 nations and territories are set to compete. Glasgow is hosting the event for the second time in just over a decade after the original host – Victoria in Australia – pulled out. (Image: Glasgow 2026) Phil Batty OBE, Glasgow 2026 Chief Executive, said: 'Scotstoun Stadium is set to be a real focal point for Glasgow 2026 and we're absolutely thrilled to announce that work on the brand-new Athletics track will start next month in preparation for the Games next summer. "There will be an electric atmosphere at Scotstoun Stadium, given the calibre and scale of the athletics competition taking place there. 'The return of the Commonwealth Mile will be one of the must-see moments of the Games. Our investment will not only provide world-class facilities for the Commonwealth's leading athletes, but it will also create a local legacy, strengthening opportunities for grassroots Athletics post-Games. 'We can't wait to see Scotstoun Stadium come alive in July 2026 and the brilliant sporting moments that will take place in this incredible venue.'
Glasgow Times
13-06-2025
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow Life's new strategy to increase physical activity
Active Glasgow: A Physical Activity and Sport Strategy for Glasgow 2025-2035, developed by Glasgow Life and sector partners, aspires to enhance the lives of Glaswegians through activity and sport. The plan, approved by the City Administration Committee, seeks to integrate sport and physical activity into the daily routines of Glaswegians. (Image: Glasgow Life) Read more: MSP praises Glasgow initiative making equipment accessible to everyone It targets health inequalities and promotes diversity, equality, and inclusion, with success measured by a positive increase in activity levels. Changes in environments, practices, and policies will be monitored in addition to evidence-based shifts in activity levels within targeted communities. Various partners, including sports clubs, health services, educational services, and public health organisations, will collaborate on the strategy's implementation. The strategy has been deemed essential in light of figures revealed around the state of physical wellbeing in Glasgow. Figures have shown that 34% of adults and 31% of children in Glasgow do not meet the NHS's weekly physical activity guidelines. Bailie Annette Christie, chair of Glasgow Life and Glasgow City Council convenor for culture, sport, and international relations, said: "Physical activity and sport have the power to boost mental and physical wellbeing, unite communities, and transform lives. "This strategy focuses on addressing the issues that prevent people from getting involved in physical activity by offering solutions to help more Glaswegians and visitors to our city get active and experience the benefits of an active lifestyle." The strategy aims to make Glasgow a leader in creating an encouraging environment for physical activity. It proposes a single referral point for people who need support to be active and plans to develop the Live Active Exercise Referral Scheme and the Live Well Community Referral Programme. Dr Emilia Crighton, director of public health at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: "The health benefits of physical activity and active living are well-known. "Physical exercise is often branded a 'miracle cure', due to the critical role it plays in improving physical and mental wellbeing and helping to address a range of illnesses and health conditions. "Creating an environment where physical activity becomes the easy option for people is central to health and wellbeing, and it is at the heart of this strategy. 'The focus on accessibility, availability, existing community assets, and greenspace, together with building confidence and skills for people of all ages, are critical to enabling this city to become an Active Glasgow – and therefore a healthier Glasgow.' The plan also includes widening access to green spaces, recreational, and sports spaces, and ensuring they are safe and welcoming for all. (Image: Glasgow Life) Read more: Glaswegians urged to 'light up the longest day' and help feed hungry children Paul Johnston, chief executive of Public Health Scotland, said: "Implementation of this strategy will transform environments, infrastructure, and services across Glasgow, making it easier for individuals to incorporate movement into their daily lives. "Being physically active is hugely beneficial to improving our physical and mental health and contributes towards the prevention of illness and diseases. "We hope this will be the first of many local strategies which will drive the necessary changes to create a healthier, more active Scotland." The Active Glasgow strategy can be read in full on the Glasgow Life website.
Glasgow Times
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
Volunteers clock over 350 hours for Glasgow 850 celebrations
The milestone was reached by 300 volunteers registered across all 23 of the city's wards. The achievement was announced as the Volunteers' Week came to an end. Volunteers at Sauchiehall Street Strip the Willow (Image: Alan Harvey SNS) To thank volunteers for their hard work, a special celebration was held at Lambhill Stables, featuring boat trips by the Forth and Clyde Canal Society, a souvenir-making station, and talks on local history. People who took part in the Glasgow 850 volunteer scheme have supported events such as the Clyde Chorus, the Lloyds Tour of Britain Women's Final at Glasgow Green, and a Strip the Willow on Sauchiehall Street. Read more: Plans put forward for £600k investment in historic building Police hunting two thugs after man viciously attacked in Glasgow Gala day featuring football match with Still Game star to take place in Glasgow The volunteer scheme, set up with Volunteer Glasgow, allows people to sign up for volunteering and learning opportunities throughout the anniversary year. Bailie Annette Christie, the council's Convenor for Culture, Sport and International Relations, said: "As Volunteers' Week draws to a close we would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of the volunteers across Glasgow making an invaluable contribution to the city. "The ongoing support and enthusiasm of volunteers are central to the success of Glasgow 850, and to reach a remarkable 350 hours of activities is a credit to the strength and passion of Glasgow's volunteer community. "The volunteers' contributions over the course of the year so far have not only supported the smooth running of Glasgow 850's signature events, but have made a tangible impact within local communities. "Each volunteer should be very proud of the part they have played in celebrating Glasgow's past, present and future."
Glasgow Times
31-05-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow museum plans to loan art for tour in China
Objects which are expected to give an 'exquisite and culturally-rich view' of the visual arts in Italy from 1400 to 1800 could be loaned out to form an exhibition titled 'Prosperous Symphony – Italian Treasures from Glasgow Museums'. The plan is for the first venue, in Shenzhen, to display the items from September this year before they are shown 'in five or six other cities'. They would return to Glasgow in 2028 and could then be displayed in Kelvingrove Museum. The council's city administration committee will be asked to approve the plan on Thursday. 'With a new international strategy, regular trade missions, links between the city's universities, businesses and China and the targeting of a direct air route into the city, the timing to use an exhibition as cultural exchange and the backdrop for other initiatives is now,' a council report states. The report, which is set to be presented by Bailie Annette Christie, SNP, the city convener for culture, sport and international relations, adds the tour will 'leverage more visibility for the city, its businesses, visitor economy, cultural significance and academic institutions'. This could result in 'more awareness of Glasgow in a number of cities across China', it states. Glasgow Life, the council's culture and leisure arm, which Bailie Christie chairs, plans to work with partners across the city to 'take advantage' of the exhibition. The report states Glasgow Airport is targeting a direct China to Glasgow air route to complement two direct flights per week — four in summer — between Edinburgh and Beijing. Ideas to promote the tour include using the University of Glasgow's networks, as it has 9,000 Chinese students as well as alumni who now work in China. Connections through Glasgow's chamber of commerce, which aims to attract inward investment from businesses in Beijing and Shanghai, will also be explored. It is hoped that the exhibition will mean Glasgow contributes to the Scottish Government's drive to 'deepen economic, social and cultural ties with China'. Research by the UK tourist board, VisitBritain, has found Chinese people associate Britain highly with museums, opera and films, the council's report adds. Alongside 33 paintings, the collection includes examples of ceramics, glass, marble sculpture, textile, arms and armour. To promote Glasgow, there would be information about the city within the exhibition. An exhibition of the city's Italian art went on tour to the United States in 2013 and all but one of the paintings and objects have been in storage since. Paintings which were shown in America included Titian's 'Christ and the Adulteress' and Sandro Botticelli's 'The Annunciation', which once hung in the Church of St Barnabas in Florence. A minimum of three tour venues are needed for the exhibition to be economically viable. Glasgow Life would be working with NOMAD Exhibitions on the tour, which has estimated around 100,000 visitors per venue. A three-way agreement with NOMAD and Sun Pavilion Culture and Technology Co, which helps develop exhibitions, would be signed, outlining the responsibilities of each partner. Glasgow Life is expected to receive a fee from each of the host museums in China. In 2023, China was Scotland's fifth largest long-haul international market by number of visits, and fourth by number of nights and expenditure.
