Glasgow Entertainment

Many people feel that Glasgow is slowly overtaking Edinburgh as the centre of contemporary culture in Scotland. Perhaps it is better to argue that since the two cities lie only 50 miles apart, they are jointly creating one of the most vibrant and interesting cultural scenes in Great Britain. Its easier to argue that Glasgow has seen the greatest increase in activity since the 1980s, when the city went on a massive campaign to revitalise its arts and entertainment scene. Theres no doubt that theres plenty to do after dark. From hip music venues to grand old theatres, Glasgow has got a little bit of everything. To find out whats happening during your visit, pick up a copy of The List, a bi-weekly entertainment magazine, or buy the Thursday edition of the Glasgow Herald which has a weekly entertainment guide.

Nightlife

Glasgows mix of artists, professionals and university students support a spirited bar and nightclub scene which easily rivals that in Edinburgh. The citys pubs were once renowned hangouts for serious drinkers who needed little more than a chair and a bottle, but times have changed and many of the old dives have been transformed into wine bars and chic cocktail lounges. Mistakenly considered potentially dangerous drinking spots, Glasgows pubs are actually fun and relaxed places where you can get to meet a few of the locals. At any rate, youll be guaranteed an entertaining night out if you go bar hopping in this town.

Glasgow also has one of the hottest dance club scenes in Great Britain. Much of the action revolves around the city centre, where venues pump out the usual electronic music you find elsewhere in Britain. Ask around to find out which club has which DJ spinning on the night you want to go out dancing.

Theatre and music

The national ballet and opera companies are both based in Glasgow, as well as the Scottish National Orchestra, so visitors wont have to look far to find world-class performing arts. This is also a city where young talent is developed at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, which creates an energetic and busy arts schedule throughout the year. The city has several innovative theatres, such as Tron and the Citizens, which stage groundbreaking dramas. Even more experimental performance art can be seen at the Tramway and the Arches.

High art isnt the only scene in town. Glasgow has become a spawning ground for hot new pop and rock bands. The Barrowland is one of the best venues in all of Britain for live music, and a handful of the local bars keep an excellent schedule of up-and-coming bands.

Festivals

Glasgow has plenty of interesting artistic and cultural festivals to keep things exciting in this hot Scottish city.

• Celtic Connections brings an eclectic series of musical and performance art to the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and other venues (January).
• The Glasgow Art Fair showcases local art from the citys artists as they display and sell their creations (April).
• The Glasgow International Jazz Festival brings some of the worlds best jazz musicians to venues around the city for some serious music (June).
• West End Festival is a summer celebration featuring music, theatre, the Midsummer Carnival Parade and more at venues around the city (June).
• The Big Big World Festival is one of Glasgows premier events, featuring world music from around the globe at venues all over town (October).
• Glasgows Hogmanay is the citys fantastic New Years Eve celebration which happens in George Square and other spots around town (December).