River City

The famous maritime history and heritage of the River Clyde is celebrated in style this weekend, when the fifth Glasgow River Festival gets underway in the heart of Scotland’s largest city.

With its action-packed programme of mainly free attractions the River Festival has become a firm fixture of the Glasgow Fairs weekend, attracting an annual 75,000 visitors since its launch in 2004.

Based on the stretch of the river around the SECC and Glasgow Science Centre, the Festival is primarily a spectator-friendly showcase for some of Glasgow’s finest seafaring vessels, as well visiting ships, like the Dutch rigged schooner Loth Lorien.

Added to the mix for the first time this year are thrilling displays of Jet Ski racing, as well as Glasgow’s first ever beach volleyball tournament. There also are demonstrations from the Royal Navy, who bring two of their Hunt Class minesweepers, along with dinghy sailing, and the return of the Festival’s popular Duck Racing event.

There are also a host of other land-based attractions to enjoy, like fairground rides, a farmer’s market, a fleet of vintage fire engines, and dance displays from the Glasgow Rockettes.

The Glasgow River Festival is on Saturday July 19 to Sunday July 20. Admission is free, although there may be charges for some on-water activities. There is also a free bus service running from Buchanan Bus Station in the city centre to the festival site throughout the weekend.