Colourful and Noisy – Let’s Build a “Scottish Nottinghill”

The first Govanhill International Carnival will take to the streets on Saturday 26 August, leaving Govanhill Park at 1pm and parading to Queens Park Arena for a day of music and fun from 2pm onwards.  Over 30 groups, from trade unions and community groups, to schools and football teams, will celebrate Govanhill, Scotland’s most culturally and ethnically diverse community.

The parade will be led by renowned piper and political activist Craig “Haggis” MacFarlane and we will be joined by brass band Brass Aye!, St Francis Pipe Band from Gorbals, The Rags to Riches Trash Orchestra, and local Roma stars E Karika Djal.  The music will continue at the park where all of these bands will perform along with Big Noise Orchestra and Unite! Fight! Sing! Choir and Romane Cierhenia traditional Gypsy dancers from Poland.

If you or your group want to join in, email Anna carnival@govanhillbaths.com for details.  If you are individual who wants to take part join us at 1pm and march with us, all we ask is that you dress up, make a lot of noise, and smile!

First Minister of Scotland and local MSP Nicola Sturgeon, who will open the Carnival, said:

“I am delighted to be invited to launch the first ever Govanhill International Carnival. Govanhill is such a uniquely diverse part of Glasgow and the carnival will be a great opportunity to celebrate this diversity. I have no doubt that the hard work put in by local groups will make the event a success and I look forward to the Carnival becoming an annual fixture in the Govanhill calendar.”

Govanhill Baths Community Trust want to build this into an annual international event to rival any Carnival and Parade anywhere, a “Scottish Nottinghill”.   Join us.

/by