Glasgow's 850th birthday celebrations are in full swing this weekend for Clyde Chorus events

Glasgow's 850th birthday is in full swing, and volunteers are donning their pink t-shirts and biggest smiles for a huge celebration across five venues this weekend.

The packed Clyde Chorus music festival lineup features everything from grassroots gigs to orchestral showcases, family events, electronic performances, and genre-spanning collaborations.

And volunteers, who have the unique opportunity to play a key part in the city’s birthday year, are tasked with supporting the smooth running of the programme of events from today (Thursday, May 29) through to Saturday (May 31), sharing the warmest of welcomes with festival-goers and spreading the word about the year-long Glasgow 850 celebrations.

Highlights include Nina Nesbitt at the Pearce Institute , Lucia & The Best Boys at The Savings Bank , and a special Celtic Connections night . Elsewhere, audiences can catch a tea dance with the Lou Hickey Band , a Showcase of up-and-coming talent from Glasgow’s music colleges at SWG3 , and performances presented in partnership with Glasgow Mela , Glasgow Jazz Festival , Ando Glaso Collective , Glasgow Gaelic Secondary School , and much more.

This weekend's Glasgow 850 events

The celebrations planned for this weekend will begin on Thursday, May 29 with a spectacular riverside procession, inviting the public to enjoy a short joyful procession along the Clyde. The festivities start at 4.45pm leaving from Millenium Square, Pacific Quay (between BBC and Glasgow Science Centre) with energetic performances from local dance companies Indepen-dance and YDance, before the group sets off at 5pm.

Led by the Lord Provost backed by the stirring sounds of the Govan Community Pipe Band and the Glasgow Skye Association Pipe Band, the route will cross Bell’s Bridge and finish up at the Crowne Plaza. The event is free and open to all, with a warm invitation extended to residents and visitors alike to help mark the city’s big birthday.

On Saturday, May 31, the spotlight turns to Govan, where a host of community choirs will gather to perform on a dedicated outdoor stage at the Precinct/Square Area at Greenwall Street/Govan Cross. Running from 12 noon until 6pm, the free event promises a day of joyful harmony and musical pride, as choirs from across Glasgow fill the square with song and celebrate the power of collective voices.

That evening, Glasgow Science Centre’s IMAX will host a very different kind of performance as Sonica, Cryptic’s biennial festival dedicated to world-class audiovisual art and sound, presents UAXUCTUM, a live audiovisual experience from Glasgow based visual artist and composer Konx-om-Pax. The show, which begins at 7.30pm, fuses experimental sound with mesmerising generative visuals, drawing influence from modular synth pioneer Morton Subotnick and modern classical icon Krzysztof Penderecki. The result is a truly immersive sensory experience where light and sound merge into a "dazzling, otherworldly spectacle". Tickets are available to purchase now via the website.

Volunteer Yulia Kravchenko came to Scotland from Ukraine in 2022 and moved to Glasgow last summer to study at City of Glasgow College, she said: “I’m looking forward to Clyde Chorus and being a part of something that brings people together through music. I love the energy during musical experiences. Events like Clyde Chorus show how strong, creative, and generous this city truly is. I believe that if each of us gets involved – even just a little – we can build a Glasgow that is welcoming, supportive, and proud, for another 850 years and beyond.

“Through Glasgow 850, I’ve had the chance to explore the city’s culture and history in a way I never imagined – by attending events, meeting new people, and becoming more immersed in the community. Volunteering has also had a huge impact on my mental wellbeing. It’s hard to feel disconnected when you’re part of something bigger than yourself.”

Yulia is one of more than 300 people, aged from 18 - 79, and from all 23 wards of the city registered with the Glasgow 850 volunteer programme, and with Volunteers’ Week approaching, the city will be paying tribute to its inclusive and bustling volunteer community who make an important contribution to events like Clyde Chorus.

Running from Monday, June 2 through to Sunday, June 8, Volunteers’ Week highlights the diversity and unity of volunteer work across the UK, providing a crucial opportunity to thank volunteers and recognise the value of their time, passion and skills.

Glasgow 850 volunteer manager Claire Shiel said: “No Glasgow event is complete without the enthusiasm and warmth of the city’s much-loved volunteer community. Our Glasgow 850 volunteers have been popping up at events large and small across the year and Clyde Chorus is a fantastic opportunity to get involved in the biggest celebration so far, showcasing the city’s incredible music credentials. Glasgow 850 is an opportunity for everyone with a connection to Glasgow to leave their mark on this historic occasion and share their love for the city, and our volunteers will be doing just that and leading the way this weekend.”

Clyde Chorus aims to shine a spotlight on Glasgow’s deep musical roots and exciting creative future, with events taking place across iconic venues and unexpected community spaces. With the addition of these new fringe events, the festival continues to champion local talent, celebrate diversity, and bring communities together through the shared language of music.

With some shows already sold out, fans are advised to purchase their tickets soon to avoid disappointment. For full listings and ticket details, visit www.clydechorus.co.uk.

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