Our festive market is around the corner!

Spend your weekend at this festive craft market filled with over 30 stalls featuring local makers and artists from Scotland and beyond.

– Find locally made prints, candles, zines, crafts, vintage clothing & slow fashion pieces.

– Hot drinks and snacks

– Live music by Justine Beverley


When:

11-4pm, Saturday 9th December
11-4pm, Saturday 16 December

Where:
The Deep End, 21 Nithsdale Street, G412PZ

Free Entry

Accessibility: The Deep End is wheelchair accessible

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On Saturday 16th December, join us for a free Rag Wreath Workshop

When: Saturday, 16 December, 12-2pm

Where: The Deep End, 21 Nithsdale St, G412PZ, in the textile studio

Free, but ticketed.

 

This year marks the launch of Govanhill Baths’ second Black History Month celebration. Join us from the 24th – the 28th of October for a week-long programme of events that we are running as part of Black History Month.

This year’s programme is a celebration of the lives and accomplishments of BME communities in Glasgow. As well as a highlight of the structural inequalities which operate on many different levels – personal, social and institutional and the effect this has on the lives of BME communities.

Talk: Angela Davis Women, Race and Class

When: Tuesday 24 October, 6.30pm

Where: The Deep End, 21 Nithsdale St, Glasgow G41 2PZ

“You have to act as if it were possible to radically transform the world. And you have to do it all the time.” – Angela Davis

In this event, Ruby Hirsch, activist and member of Stand Up to Racism Glasgow, joins us for a talk about African American political thinker and activist who was once on the FBI’s most wanted list, Angela Davis.

Davis, has been a leading anti-racist as well as a leading anti-capitalist during a time in the USA when any semblance of radical thought could get you fired from your job, thrown in prison or worse.

Described as the godmother of intersectionality, Davis’ writing, particularly her book Women, Race and Class has had an enormous impact on debates in antiracist theory. But it is her active involvement in the struggle for civil rights and against all oppression and exploitation that shapes and informs Davis’ thinking – her amazing story and her important ideas are invaluable for anyone challenging racism and capitalism today.

Book a ticket here

 

Book Talk: Making the Black Jacobins

When: Wednesday 25 October, 6.30pm

Where: The Deep End, 21 Nithsdale St, Glasgow G41 2PZ

Rachel Douglas, who works in Caribbean literature, history, film, visual art, and archives at the University of Glasgow joins us to discuss her book ‘Making The Black Jacobins’.

C. L. R. James’s, the Black Jacobins remains one of the great works of the twentieth century and the cornerstone of Haitian revolutionary studies.

Douglas’ book traces the transformation and afterlives of the Black Jacobins  landmark work across the decades from the 1930s on through close examination of his manuscripts, notes, interviews, and other texts—showing how James continuously rewrote and revised his history of the Haitian Revolution as his politics and engagement with Marxism evolved. This is a talk not to be missed by anyone interested in Caribbean and world history, particularly those interested in James’s ‘bottom-up history’.

Book a ticket here

 

No Permission Needed: A Celebration of Black Culture

When: Thursday 26th October, 6.30pm

Where: The Deep End, 21 Nithsdale St, G41 2PZ

Join us for an evening celebrating Black culture, exploring creative expression and asking what it looks like and means to be Black in Scotland today. A jam-packed evening of performances, including a piece from actor Hannah Jacobs, poetry from Hazel Peters, music from Shamie Zvandasara , and a screening of Simone Seales short film ‘Nothing Between (Black Women’s Joy and Liberation)’ Everyone welcome! 

In collaboration with No Permission Needed Zine and contributors, this event seeks to bring people together to show that there is an amazing creative and anti-racist movement which is beautiful, proud and challenging the narrative.

Book a ticket here

 

Film Screening and Q&A: Expensive Sh*t

When: Friday 27 October, 6.30pm

Where: The Deep End, 21 Nithsdale St, Glasgow G41 2PZ

We are delighted that Adura Onashile, actor, playwright, and director, will join us to screen her short film Expensive Sh*t. Onashile wrote and directed the 2013 play Expensive Sh*t and adapted it into a film in 2020.

Winner of the Best Short Film at the 2021 BAFTA Scotland Awards, the audience and the critics award at the Glasgow International Film Festival, as well as The Scottish Audience Award and The Jury Award at the 2021 Glasgow Short Film Festival.

In a Glasgow nightclub, Tolu, a Nigerian toilet attendant desperate for survival, manipulates the behaviour of unsuspecting women for the titillation of men watching behind the mirrors. But tonight, a line has been crossed, and as the night spins out of control, Tolu has to find the strength to change everything. Expensive Sh*t is a fictional story inspired by real events at The Shimmy Club in Glasgow, which was forced to remove one-way mirrors from its women’s toilets.

The screening will be followed by a short Q&A discussing some of the themes of sexual exploitation and precarious work which are addressed in the film. Expensive Sh*t is produced by barry crerar, developed through the Scottish Film Talent Network programme and co-funded by BBC Films.

Please be aware that this film contains themes of sexual exploitation.

Book a ticket here

 

Film Screening: Maud.

When: Saturday 28 October, 6pm

Where: The Deep End, 21 Nithsdale St, Glasgow G41 2PZ

We are thrilled to invite you to a screening of Maud. This short film is a call to celebrate the life and work of the Scottish-Ghanaian artist Maud Sulter (1960 – 2008) who grew up in the Gorbals, Glasgow.

Through conversations with Black artists making art in Scotland we consider Maud’s memory and reflect on her contributions to excavating history, challenging world politics, and community-building.

In addition to this screening, and for this Black History Month programme, the film’s director Natasha Ruwona and its executive producer Tomiwa Folorunso, have written a letter, in-conversation with each other, which will be available at the screening paying homage to this trailblazing Scottish-Ghanaian artist, and her significance on multiple fronts – as a Black Scottish, Black British, African, Ghanaian, queer, working class and female artist – whose extremely diverse output of artistry; writing, image-making, curating, filmmaking, and sound has until recently largely gone uncelebrated.

Book a ticket here

 

Workshop: A Guided Response to A Quiet Fire

When: Saturday 28th October, 11:30am

Where: Tramway, 25 Albert Dr, Glasgow G41 2PE

This workshop is led by Beulah Ezeugo and is a response to Billie Zangewa’s “A Quiet Fire”. This workshop is exclusively for BPOC who take work by black queer and feminist thinkers into consideration in their daily lives.

Billie Zangewa is a Malawian artist who creates intricate, hand-stitched silk collages exploring objectification, self-fashioning, racial stereotyping and constructions of identity.

We will explore the artwork through shared observation and engaging in a deliberate, collective reflection within the gallery’s space. The workshop will also involve working together to create a collaborative tapestry.

Book a ticket here

 

All events are free but ticketed.
For enquires about accessibility, transport budget and more email: festival@govanhillbaths.com

Govanhill Baths Community Trust’s Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday 12 September 2023 at:
the Deep End, 21 Nithsdale Street Glasgow, G41 2PZ.

Proceedings will commence at 6:00pm.

All are welcome.

 

 

A person in a hardhat and hi-visibility clothes kneels on a wood floor and looks above at windows in a roof.

Final push needed to help save our iconic Baths as the project celebrates a major milestone.

Govanhill Baths Community Trust are celebrating a significant step forward in the refurbishment of the iconic Baths but despite the completion of all of the external renovation work, more funding is needed to reopen the Baths. The 22 year struggle continues!

Like most current construction projects ours has been beset by delays and spiralling construction costs caused by Covid and exacerbated by Brexit, the war in Ukraine and cost of living crisis. These factors mean that we have a significant shortfall of £6.5 million to bring the project to completion.

The Govanhill Baths Community Trust are now calling for renewed financial support from backers in order to realise a vision that has been over two decades in the making.

Alex Wilde, Chair of Govanhill Baths Community Trust, said:

“After 22 years we are still fighting for the reopening of Govanhill Baths.

“It is a huge disappointment to us that the funding which we fought so hard to secure is no longer sufficient to complete the refurbishment as planned and the budget does not enable the building to be fitted out with everything it needs to function.

“We are at a crucial point where we need to keep on fighting for the building that this community so desperately needs and deserves after all this time. We are asking the community, supporters, partners and funders to stand by us so that we don’t lose the momentum that we have fought so hard to gain.”

Niall Murphy, Chair Govanhill Baths Building Preservation Trust, said:

“We are proud that the first stage in the refurbishment of Govanhill Baths has been completed and extensive works to the fabric of the building have reversed years of decay.

“Decades of disuse haven taken a great toll, but we’ve turned the clock back and now have a building fit for the next 100 years.

Alison Thewliss MP Glasgow Central, said:

“While it is positive to see that progress is being made on the refurbishment of the Govanhill Baths, there is still a long way to go before this project is complete.

“A number of factors including inflation and Covid-19 have caused unavoidable rises in costs. With new funding, the Baths would be able to reopen and thrive once again.

“I will continue to work with those involved at the Baths to ensure that all possibilities are explored and the reopening of such an important place can take place as soon as possible. In these difficult times for many, such a pillar of the community being open could make a huge difference to so many lives. The Govanhill people deserve to have a place to swim again.”

The completed works has successfully conserved the entire roof, stone walls and windows, the concrete structure has had extensive repair, historic features have been preserved and structural alterations made to get the building ready for its future use. The repaired building includes a completely restored roof with all the rooflights repaired or renewed, allowing light to flood into the building while keeping the rain out.

Tours of the building to see some of the new features inside the building will take place during Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival in September. When the first phase is complete, the wellbeing centre will include two swimming pools, sauna, gym, and
café.

The delays and massive price increases mean that the original budget wasn’t sufficient and we are currently costing the fit out of the building, which we expect could be a similar sum. We are working with all funders, the design team and the massive effort of staff and volunteers in the organisation on an ongoing basis to identify solutions but there are big challenges ahead and a significant gap in funding.

Stylised image of young woman with arm aloft dancing. Text reads: Govanhill International Carnival and Festival.

We’re delighted to announce the programme for our annual Govanhill International Festival & Carnival!

Now in our seventh year, we’re thrilled to bring you a programme of events fusing together art, heritage and community activism. This two-week long showcase of music, talks, walks, film, art exhibitions and workshops is a testament to the amazing cultural, ethnic and religious diversity that exists right here in Govanhill.

The richness of our flourishing arts and culture scene proves that our multiculturalism and heritage is what makes Govanhill such a unique part of glasgow and is why we’re so proud to live here and call this community ours! The festival may have grown in scale and size over the years, but at its heart, it will always be an anti-racist festival. Every year, we will continue to celebrate the contributions that immigrants have made to Govanhill, showing that there is no room for racism in our community.

We’re delighted to be able to say that the Govanhill Parade and Carnival will be making a colourful return and the parade promises to be a much-needed and urgent show of anti-racist unity against division and the scapegoating of migrants for a crisis they aren’t to blame for. The Carnival and Parade stands as a statement from the people of Govanhill and across Glasgow, that we take pride in our diversity. We’ll be marching in solidarity, stating loudly and visibly to anyone who doubts it, that everyone is welcome here!

Click to view the full programme.

An older woman is in a swimming pool smiling

You may be wondering what is happening inside our beloved building at 99 Calder Street. Here is an update, We have answered the most common questions we get asked when people pop into our office for a chat. To find out more, feel free to contact us using the details at the bottom of the page. We are also inviting you to tell us what activities you would like to take part in when the building reopens! Please complete our very short survey (click to view the survey). As a thank you, you can win one of five free copies of our book Loved and Lost – a journey through the ever-changing landscape of Govanhill. Just remember to include your email address at the end of the survey to enter the prize draw.*

When will you open?

We’re eager to open as soon as we possibly can in 2024, but at this stage we can’t say for certain, so it may take longer.

Why the delay?

We have been hit with delays due to the pandemic, Brexit, and the war in Ukraine, all of which have affected staffing and the availability of materials. This has also resulted in a significant spike in construction inflation. All capital projects nationwide are experiencing rising costs and delays at the moment, and we are no exception. On top of that, refurbishing an old building takes a lot of time and money. And a building that has been derelict for 20 years, following several decades of ad hoc repairs by many different people, has a lot of surprises!

Will you have swimming classes?

Absolutely! We’ll have classes for all ages with two pools: the 15 x 8 metre former Ladies Pool, and the 7 x 3 metre Learners Pool.

Will you have women-only nights?

Yes, this is something we know the community really wants. We’ll have women-only swimming and wellbeing nights, as well as women-only exercise classes. We’re also hoping to offer swimming sessions and exercise classes for the LGBTQI+ community, which are a rarity in Glasgow.

Will there be a sauna and steam room?

Yes! The sauna and steam room will be part of our wonderful Turkish Suite.

What exactly will be in the building?

In addition to the two swimming pools, we’ll have a gym, a sauna and steam room, community kitchen and café, yoga and dance studio, our People’s Pantry, archive, our wellbeing programme, bookable spaces, events space, and much more!

What activities will you deliver?

We’ll have loads of different activities on offer, and these will have been chosen by you! From water aerobics to breastfeeding support and self-defence and more. Let us know using the survey opposite what you’d like to take part in! We will be releasing our programme later this year.

Will there be rooms available for hire?

We will have a range of rooms for hire, with subsidised rates for local community groups. For more information about room hire, please contact deepend@govanhillbaths.com

How much will it cost to use?

We want to make sure that our building is affordable and accessible for everyone. So we will have a range of different ways to use it. You will be able to buy a membership to use the gym and swimming pools or there will be the option to pay-as-you-go. We are aiming to have discount schemes including some free access so everyone who needs the facilities will be able to use them. We will keep costs at least as affordable as those provided by Glasgow Life.

How can I find out more?

To find out more, you can visit our website at www.govanhillbaths.com
You can also call us on 0141 433 2999 or send an email to info@govanhillbaths.com

Two young women stand outside facing camera and smiling, one rests her arm on the shoulder of the other.

The latest edition of our guide to all that’s going on at Govanhill Baths is now available.

A highlight of March is our celebration of International Women’s Day with a special six-day festival of exhibitions, workshops, talks and more. See the full programme at www.govanhillbaths.com/IWD2023.
Also in March, the official launch of our book Little Donegal: The Irish in the Gorbals and Govanhill takes place. We are delighted the author, Colm Bryce, will be joining us along with other exciting guests. This book has proved so popular the first edition is sold out but we are now printing a second!

Staying with history, we have two new arts groups to help you explore the past – and future – of Govanhill. Our introductory photography project adds to that with the chance to capture the spirit of our community on film. No need to have a camera as we supply that, along with all the tips you need to get snapping.

If you would like to get into woodworking, join our club and get access to all the tools you need along with support from our friendly trained staff.

Along with all this, we have workshops in upcycling, ceramics, gardening and cooking! And as ever, our popular wellbeing programme keeps you healthy in mind and body.

Click to view our What’s On guide now!

A group of women holding a banner, flags and placards celebrating International Women's Day.

For the second year Govanhill Baths Community Trust is marking International’s Women’s Day. We will be running a week-long programme from the 6th to the 11th of March, including events such as workshops, talks, walks and exhibitions. For information on all individual events please click to learn more. 

International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. Historically it has been tightly linked with women’s activism and labour. The event was born from the belief in the revolutionary potential of working women, and the importance of improving their lives. International Women’s Day is the perfect occasion to reflect on women’s labour, activism and collective power.

Our celebration will culminate with a march so join us on the 11th March at Govanhill Park at 12pm. We’ll be taking to the streets with other activists who are challenging stigmas in their communities, their workplaces and in their everyday lives. We are marching for a more equal world; a world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. Together we can celebrate women’s achievements and take action for equality. Join us!

(Our use of the word ‘women’ is inclusive of Trans and Intersex women, as well as any non-binary people who are comfortable in a space that centres the experience of women.)

‘Our Rights, Our Communities’ was a partnership project between Govanhill Baths Community Trust, Unity Sisters and Milk Café.

This project was delivered at a time where New Scots are suffering severe institutional racism, discourses on refugee rights are moving further to the right, and government policy continues to strip refugees of their human rights. Our project was a peer-led project piloted for the first time with New Scots women. The aim of the project was to provide a unique model of community-based New Scots Women-led advocacy, as well as peer support services.

By exploring, acknowledging and developing an understanding of intersectional oppression, we have created collective and accessible resources to tackle these issues from a grassroots perspective. Our innovative approach empowers New Scots women-led grassroots groups to address the gap in service provision currently available to them; while also providing the tools and practices required to deliver change and support their organisations in the long-term.

The project aimed to:

  • To further equality and human rights of New Scots Women, following the principles of redistribution of power
  • To increase knowledge and skills for organisational development and capacity
  • To promote alliance building between organisations working with New Scots Women
  • To create an understanding of inequalities and human rights issues pertinent and specific to New Scots
  • To develop tools and skills to influence and fulfil their rights

Click to view the report

Click to find out more about the project and useful resources