Heading south

Everyone has heard of Glasgow’s West End Festival – but with the introduction of their very own festival, those in the south of the city no longer have any reason to feel left out.

The Southside Festival – the first major festival this area has hosted – has a vast line-up to suit all.

The day-long event starts with a bang, with a procession from Shawlands Academy to Queen’s Park that will include the Grand 'Ole Oprey Line Dancers, Kings of Macumba, and the Renfrew North Pipe Band, plus a range of vehicles including a Strathclyde Fire and Rescue engine.

Then from the festival’s base in Queen’s Park, the fun will really begin.

There’s a huge programme of performances, including appearances from the Flying Jalapenos, Punjabi Number One (pictured), the Bollywood Dancers, the Silver Sparklers and the Huma Ambassi Dancers, to name a few.

For the kids there’s face painting, hair braiding, henna tattooing, a magician and a cartoonist, and while that’s on, the mums can have a break in the relaxation marquee, which will be offering neck and shoulder massages, reiki, yoga and Tai Chi.

If family fun is what you’re looking for, Diddy Men Football, the climbing wall and the assault course should be right up your street.

But perhaps one of the biggest highlights of the day will be the one-hour Battle of Langside re-enactment where locals can get an insight into what really happened at the historic event – just make sure to duck when the swords start flying!

The day will then finish off with the Southside Fiesta, a night of rib-tickling comedy.

And if this still isn’t enough for you, keep an eye out for some local celebrities – including compere Des Clarke and stars from River City.

The Southside Festival is at Glasgow’s Queen’s Park on June 28.