Glasgow City Council is kicking off a year of celebrations to commemorate the city’s 850th birthday.
The Glasgow 850 programme marks the anniversary of when the city gained Burgh status in 1175.
All those connected to Glasgow are invited to the celebrations, which include a three-day multi-genre musical event called Clyde Chorus.
The event, which will run from May 29 to 30, will start with a procession around Pacific Quay led by the Lord Provost.
With a focus on homegrown and local talent, the event takes place at iconic venues along the River Clyde, including the SEC Armadillo, SWG3, The Briggait, Pearce Institute, and The Savings Bank.
From June to November, the People’s Palace Pop-up will take place at venues including libraries, community centres and sports hubs throughout the 23 wards in the city.
The free pop-up exhibition will bring Glasgow’s social history to life through historic artefacts, paintings, prints, and photographs by celebrated amateur photographer Eric Watt.
More than 40 eateries have also signed up to participate in the Taste the Place event across the city in April.
It includes a series of free self-guided experiences designed to celebrate Glasgow’s food culture.
A special Glasgow 850 First Bus has also been commissioned for service during the celebrations.
The pink Glasgow 850 branded bus will traverse the city in 2025 as people journey between different events taking place as part of the programme.
Glasgow City CouncilThe council has also launched a fund to help support established events with including Glasgow 850 themes across the year.
This includes events such as:
- Glasgow International Comedy Festival’s special event
- Gray Matters: A Laugh for Glasgow’s 850 Years
- Glasgow Film Festival’s youth and community takeover days offering free cinema experiences
- Yardworks Urban Art Festival at SWG3
- Glasgow Mela’s new commissions, on-stage collaboration, and workshops celebrate the city’s multicultural legacy
- Rockstar Energy presents TRNSMT’s Glasgow 850 sponsored River Stage, showcasing local talent.
During the summer, Glasgow 850 will support Glasgow Life with its successful Summer of Fun activities, which help young people stay active during the school holidays.
The Glasgow 850 programme will be updated and refreshed during the summer to reflect the events and activities taking place during the second half of 2025.
Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken said the anniversary was a “significant milestone” for the city.
“This curated programme, which spans all 23 wards of our city, truly has something for everyone, from arts and culture and sports to food and drink, and from music festivals to historical exhibitions, and smaller community led events,” she said.
“And I know that through partners, local groups and businesses, events and activities are still being added for later in the year, which shows the support there is for us coming together, to celebrate our city.”
Graeme Macfarlan, First Bus Scotland commercial director, said the bus company was “delighted” to support the historic event.
The bus company will also be the official travel partner for the Clyde Chorus musical event in May.
“Our services are at the heart of daily life in Glasgow bringing everyone closer together and connecting communities so it’s fantastic to be able to play a big part in this celebration of the city,” he said.
The council is encouraging community groups and local organisations to use What’s On Glasgow to promote their own Glasgow 850 events and activities.
Listing an event is free via the new Glasgow 850 tab on the website, which makes it easy to see what is happening across the city throughout the year.
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